Mike McLean

2021 could usher in economic reset

For some, hopes hinge on vaccine, stimulus bill

December 17, 2020

While our previous decade-long ascending economy took an abrupt nosedive in 2020, prognosticators among many economic sectors are looking up for 2021. The extent of their optimism, however, hinges on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, or congressional

Kalispels to expand Northern Quest

New hotel to give casino resort total of 440 guest rooms

November 23, 2020

Mike McLean

The Kalispel Tribe plans to expand its Northern Quest Resort & Casino, in Airway Heights, with a new hotel building. The tribe expects to break ground on the new project in March and complete it in early 2023.

2020 Rising Stars: Drive509's Jason Boudreau

Company founder drives growth curve with care

September 10, 2020

Mike McLean

When Jason Boudreau founded Drive509 truck driving school in 2016, he expected slow growth for the first few years. 'My business plan was: Hire one more instructor by year three and have one more truck,â€ Boudreau says.

One Lakeside high-rise to be completed in June in Cd'A

$20 million tower to have condominiums, hotel units

March 26, 2020

Mike McLean

One Lakeside, the long planned mixed-use high-rise structure with views of Lake Coeur d'Alene, is nearly complete. The 15-story, $20 million building is being constructed at the northwest corner of First Street and Lakeside Avenue, near the west edge

$49M veterans home in works in Post Falls

Construction set to begin in spring or early summer

March 26, 2020

Mike McLean

The Idaho Division of Veterans Services plans to break ground this spring or early summer on a $49 million veteran's home in Post Falls. The 83,400-square-foot facility will be located on 7.3 acres of land fronting Lochsa Street, adjacent to Biopol

Two retail projects planned on West Plains

Spring start expected for new North 40

March 26, 2020

Mike McLean

Plans are expected to go forward this spring for a North 40 Outfitters farm store on the west edge of Spokane, near where a retail development to be anchored by a Bush Car Wash also is planned. The $6.5 million North 40 farm and ranch store will be

Construction activity rolls at West Plains PDA

Transload facility, hotel, drug manufacturing site among current projects

March 26, 2020

Mike McLean

Construction momentum is on a strong roll within the West Plains-Airport Area Public Development Authority district, which covers more than 9,000 acres encompassing the Spokane International Airport and surrounding land.

2020 Icons: Phil Kuharski

Longtime economics expert still going by the numbers

March 26, 2020

Mike McLean

Phil Kuharski, the former Fidelity Mutual Savings Bank executive long known as the leading economic authority on the Spokane real estate market, says he's been working with numbers since he was 6 years old.

COVID-19 Resource Guide for Spokane Business

Links to resources, guidance, and advice during coronavirus pandemic

March 25, 2020

Mike McLean

As COVID-19 takes its economic toll on business owners and employees during the ongoing health crisis, a number of government agencies, relief organizations, and private enterprises are making resources available to provide assistance. Here are some of th

GSI, others to gauge early impacts of coronavirus

Survey meant to identify specific needs, issues

March 16, 2020

Mike McLean

Greater Spokane Incorporated and other business groups are gauging early impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, in hopes of helping business navigate the unprecedented crisis.