Mike McLean

Sandpoint to double capacity of its drinking water system

North Idaho city seeks contractor for $18 million project

October 21, 2010

The city of Sandpoint, Idaho, is seeking bids for a planned expansion of one of its drinking water treatment plants that would about double the city's capacity to supply potable water, says a project manager for the Spokane office of Denver-based 5

Staff photo by Mike McLean, inset photo by Zac Crawford

Another iron in the fire

October 21, 2010

Mike McLean

Steve McGrew, an inventor and entrepreneur known here for his involvement in companies pursuing new technologies, also is grounded firmly in the ancient art of metal working.McGrew is just as likely to be found using a forge in his blacksmith a

Five-story building proposed downtown

Kofmehl Inc.'s structure on Second would include office condos, residences

October 21, 2010

Mike McLean

A Spokane developer and contractor is proposing to build a five-story, 64,000-square-foot building downtown that would include a mix of residential, office, and retail space, as well as covered parking, preliminary documents on file with the city

Embracing green

Businesses here say even modest efforts to promote sustainability can boost bottom line

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

Businesses here are finding a variety of ways to offer green and sustainable products, practices, and services, an anecdotal roundup suggests. Some of them say they're finding that "going green" saves them "green," whether through reducing waste, a

Cherrywood Place plans $404,000 upgrade

Kitchen, bath remodels will make living units wheelchair accessible

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

Cherrywood Place Retirement & Assisted Living, a 47-unit senior-living facility on Spokane's North Side, is planning a $404,000 remodel, says Mike Sutton, the maintenance director there.The project involves installing roll-in showers and and and

Long-term care option stimulates hope, skepticism

CLASS Act insurance plan aims to help people stay independent at home

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

A relatively unknown provision in the massive national health-care bill that became law earlier this year creates the country's first public-option long-term care insurance program, and the program is being eyed with hope and skepticism, depending

Greenstone starts upscale homes project

Value of 140-acre, 12-lot development at Liberty Lake said to exceed $12 million

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

Greenstone Corp., the Liberty Lake-based real estate development company, says it's developing a 12-lot residential subdivision, named MacKenzie Beach, on the east side of Liberty Lake. The estimated value of the 140-acre development is more $12

River Ridge attracts call-center tenant

Houston-based concern will employ 30 people at former grocery store

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

Houston-based Register Tapes Unlimited Inc. has leased 10,000 square feet of floor space in the River Ridge Shopping Center for a call center and plans to employ 30 people there, says commercial real estate broker Joel Crosby.Register Tapes on

Mead school plan envisions work worth $79.5 million

District plans to modernize three schools, wants to float bond levy in February

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

The Mead School District expects to select an architect this month to design projects proposed in its $79.5 million six-year capital plan, which includes modernizing three schools and a number of other infrastructure improvements.The district to

Felts Field confronts its problems

Interim director says FBO is crucial for turnaround

October 7, 2010

Mike McLean

Ryland P. "Skip" Davis, interim director of Spokane International Airport, says he wants to launch an effort to revitalize Felts Field Airport before year-end. The plan would hinge on landing a fixed-based operator (FBO) to provide support and a