The Dirt: Spokane Transit Authority plaza upgrades in full swing

Spokane Transit Authority plaza upgrades are in full swing as the downtown Spokane facility remains open.

In March 2016, the STA board awarded a $3.5 million contract to Walker Construction Inc., of Spokane, for the plaza interior renovation at 701 W. Riverside Ave. The job was scheduled under three phases, and construction walls are in place to keep the work separate from customers.

The contractor currently is doing updates for consolidating rider services and retail spaces. Work underway is creating a new customer service area, restrooms and retail spaces on the first floor. Recently, crews relocated existing escalators to improve space orientation.

A waiting area offering better views of exterior bus activity is being added on the Sprague Street side, and new digital real-time information signs are planned. Crews will begin work to replace flooring on the first level.

The Sprague Avenue entrance is closed but the Riverside Avenue and Wall Street entrances remain open, according to STA’s website construction updates.

A first phase completed in August brought new security offices on the second floor and allowed some demolition. The overall renovation is expected to be done by summer 2017.

Weather slows Hampton build

Winter weather has slowed construction of a six-story Hampton Inn & Suites near Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

A year ago, workers began grading a large lot just north of the hospital for a proposed opening of the hotel by later this spring. Because of weather-related delays, the developers now don’t expect the hotel to open until October at the earliest.

Owner Spokane South Medical LLC plans a 109-room hotel at 675 S. McClellan St. The 1.2-acre property was a vacant lot bordered by McClellan and Seventh Avenue.

Hospitality Builders Inc., of Rapid City, South Dakota, is the contractor for the $12.8 million project. The design calls for about 126,000 square feet overall, including a large meeting space, an indoor pool and spa, fitness center and a four-level parking garage.

Hampton is part of the Hilton Worldwide group. Spokane South Medical, with James Mulloy as managing member, has owned the property for more than 11 years and will retain hotel ownership, an earlier news release said.

It will be managed by Hospitality Associates Inc., the Spokane Valley firm that manages 75 hotels in a dozen Western states.

Buckhorn Inn closes

The Buckhorn Inn, a longtime Airway Heights restaurant, has closed after the property sold late last year to a new owner.

Longtime owners Gary and Noreen Pederson, husband and wife, sold the property in December to Airway Buckhorn Building LLC, of Spokane, which purchased the landmark eatery for $265,000.

The site, at 13311 W. Sunset Highway, is on 1.23 acres.

Kiemle & Hagood expands

Kiemle & Hagood is expanding its commercial real estate services by opening a Missoula office by March 1. The company recently was awarded a property management contract by Providence St. Joseph Health.

Kiemle and Hagood’s services under the contract will cover several noncritical care facilities in the greater Missoula area, including medical office buildings and outlying clinics.

This location expansion will allow Kiemle & Hagood to increase real estate services offered to the Western Montana region, while increasing property management efficiencies for existing and potential clients and customers.

In addition to the new Missoula office, Kiemle & Hagood recently opened an office in Kennewick. Additional locations include the company’s main office at 601 W. Main Ave. in Spokane and its Coeur d’Alene site at 2065 W. Riverstone.