The Dirt: State agency office building coming to north Spokane

A $2.5 million building will be constructed in Spokane’s Shiloh Hills neighborhood for the newly created Washington state Department of Children, Youth, and Families, according to city permit data.

The 18,800-square-foot office building will fill a vacant, 1.5-acre lot at 6830 N. Nevada St. When complete, the single-story structure will have 78 parking spots.

The department is the state’s newest agency and was created in July 2017 following the recommendation of a bipartisan commission that said the state must focus “more clearly on preventing harm to children and youth.”

The agency oversees programs and services previously administered by the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Early Learning. Beginning in July, the agency will also take over programs once offered by the juvenile rehabilitation division and the Office of Juvenile Justice in DSHS.

According to its website, the department “restructures how the state serves at-risk children and youth, with the goal of producing better outcomes in all Washington communities.”

The vacant property was purchased in January for $584,000 by Bellevue-based Inland Empire LLC, which is also the project’s general contractor. It was designed by Poston Architects, of Yakima. – N.D.

Walgreens to open pharmacy in downtown

Walgreens Co. is planning to open a community pharmacy in downtown Spokane.

The pharmacy store chain is leasing more than 1,300 square feet from property owner 3WA SODO LLC in a multitenant building at 327 W. Third Ave., according to plans filed with the city of Spokane.

The pharmacy will differ from Walgreens’ traditional stores.

“Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy” will help patients who have chronic, complex and rare health conditions by providing easy access to specialty and traditional medications, Walgreens spokesman Kelli Teno said.

The new Walgreens specialty site in Spokane is one of more than 315 Walgreens Community and Health System pharmacies focusing on patient care for complex health conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, chronic inflammatory disease, cancer and cystic fibrosis. The pharmacy also will connect patients with financial-assistance programs.

Construction is expected to be underway in mid-April, with opening slated for August. The project architect is Arkansas-based Harrison, French and Associates. – A.E.

Flooring company expanding warehouse

Ibex Flooring is adding to its existing warehouse on Martin Street in Spokane’s Bemiss neighborhood, according to permits issued by the city.

The 3,500-square-foot, two-story addition to the existing 11,700-square-foot warehouse is valued at $600,000, which includes design and construction of the office structure and related site work.

The warehouse, built in 1956, was purchased by Ibex in 2011 for $240,000.

Ibex was founded in 2003 and installs a variety of commercial flooring, including carpet, ceramic and stone.

The project’s general contractor is Yost Gallagher Construction, of Spokane. It was designed by Wolfe Architectural Group, of Spokane. – N.D.

Renovations underway for Numerica branch in Idaho

Numerica Credit Union is renovating its branch in Hayden to provide more space for its members.

The branch remodel at 8370 N. Cornerstone Drive will include an “open design concept,” allowing for a “more personal member experience,” according to a news release.

The credit union plans to run daily operations from a portable office unit adjacent to the branch for three months while the lobby is closed for construction. Drive-thru windows will still open during normal business hours.

Numerica Credit Union has more than 146,000 members throughout central and Eastern Washington as well as northern Idaho, and has more than $2.2 billion in assets. – A.E.