Mike McLean

EWU eyes $25 million upgrade to student union building

Architectural, engineering firms sought for predesign of student union project

August 15, 2013

Eastern Washington University is considering a $25 million renovation and upgrade of the student union building on its main campus in Cheney, says Troy Bester, senior project manager for the university.EWU, located 17 miles southwest of Spokane,

Scrutinizing the 4 percent rule

Prominent benchmark could disappoint some in extended downturn

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

The 4 percent rule, which has become a benchmark for retirement planning since the 1990s, might not be so hard and fast after all, some financial advisers here say.For simplicity's sake, the 4 percent rule says a retiree with a nest egg of $1 of

Number of women using VA health care climbs here

Program aims to help more female vets gain access to benefits

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

The Mann-Grandstaff Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Spokane, is narrowing the gap between the rate of female veterans enrolled in VA health-care programs here compared with male veterans enrolled, but it still has work to do, says Julie Liss, 6

Union Gospel acquires site to expand auto sales facility

Increased space to allow easier customer access, more used-car inventory

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

The Union Gospel Mission Association of Spokane, a faith-based nonprofit that provides services to the poor and homeless, has bought the former First Choice Auto used-car dealership property at 7103 E. Sprague and plans to expand its UGM Motors and

Spokane credit union plans to build new branch in Valley

United Health Services hopes third outlet leads to membership growth

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

Spokane-based United Health Services Credit Union plans to construct a new branch office in Spokane Valley.Chuck Zeller, the credit union's CEO, says in a press release that the branch will be located at 16402 E. Sprague. The branch office will

City plans to build $14 million fleet facility

Consolidated facility to include natural gas dispensing equipment

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

The city of Spokane plans to construct a $14 million central facility for its fleet services division that would include compressed natural gas dispensing equipment, says Rick Romero, the city's utilities director.The facility, tentatively named

Mint with a view

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

North Idaho native Randy Kramer has opened Gem State Mint, in Coeur d'Alene, bringing to fruition his long-running dream to manufacture coin-sized medallions of his own design, he says.Kramer, who has 20 years of experience at two other mints, a

Convention hotel project closer to start

Worthy submits SEPA documents, negotiates for subcontractor work

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

Spokane developer and hotelier Walt Worthy has filed environmental documents for his proposed 15-story convention center hotel project, and he says he hopes to begin construction within a month or two.Worthy's Spokane Valley-based development a

Albi Stadium could change hands

Lease would give school district option for ownership

August 1, 2013

Mike McLean

Spokane Public Schools has approved a lease for Joe Albi Stadium in which the district plans to take over operation of the city-owned stadium with an option to buy it, says Mark Anderson, the district's associate superintendent for support $1 if by

Cd'A real estate concern opens luxury-property office

Third Schneidmiller office locates near resort, shops in Lake City's downtown

July 18, 2013

Mike McLean

Prominent Coeur d'Alene-based real estate brokerage Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty has opened an office in downtown Coeur d'Alene, says Kelsey Anfenson, the brokerage's office manager.The new office, which occupies 2,500 square feet of is