NORBA rocked, The Seasons sure to be a hit

Congratulations to Schweitzer Mountain Resort for putting together a world class event this past week.

The NORBA national race series fully engulfed Schweitzer for four days but resort staffers and management proved to be up for the challenge. Look for a story Wednesday on the numbers of visitors, participants and amount of money generated in our economy during the event.

If you didn't venture up the mountain, you missed a great show.

Four U.S. Olympians, who are all headed to Athens for the Summer Olympics, competed. Races ranged from basically throwing yourself down the mountain on a bike to 60-mile marathons.

On Saturday, the resort was alive with the sounds of competition, the look of a world-class event and the feel of something that is just starting to take off for Schweitzer and the rest of us.

Great job.

The Daily Bee and the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans have combined to begin sending Daily Bees free of charge to local members of the military serving abroad.

We are starting a subscription this week for a soldier.

The Bee and the DAV will cover the costs of the program.

If you know of anyone who would like a copy of the hometown paper, drop me a line at the Bee, or contact Joe Deforest, Chapter Commander, DAV Post No. 15, Box 466, Dover, 83825.

More rumors of businesses moving to the community. Target to the Kmart building, Denny's or Applebees to be located behind the Pasta Billy's building on North 95 and an Albertson's or Super 1 Foods store to the Sagle area.

Alas, we have checked out these rumors and there have been no permits or any planning and zoning action so far. What I can tell you is work on Home Depot continues at a fast pace and this hot real estate market shows no signs of letting up.

Expect to see more work in and around The Seasons project, next to the Edgewater Resort.

The first phase of 30 units is close to selling out with 23 units already spoken for and interest building every week, says developer Jay Heinberg.

The units are selling between $390,000 to $900,000, he said, with the bulk of the sales landing on or below $650,000 in this first offering. An interesting side note is that of the 23 sales made, only one or two of the homes are for permanent residents.

Heinberg expects to open the second phase of sales very soon.

Imagine what 120 residences located within walking distance of downtown Sandpoint will do?

Heinberg calls the interface with downtown an example of "new urbanism" although that usually takes place in bigger communities.

Once complete, the project will have five buildings offering 2,400-square-feet townhouses down to two bedroom residences. There will be 1,800 linear feet of park space running parallel to the lake. There will be open barbecue pits and gathering spots for year-round enjoyment, he said.

The 11,000-square-foot clubhouse will be open on or near the Fourth of July of next year — as in 2005. Heinberg moved the clubhouse construction to the beginning of the building cycle to house the sales team and to show his commitment to the project.

The clubhouse will have a huge pool with an infinity edge and slate in and around the deck. The first floor will feature a fitness area as well as house the concierge service.

The second floor will be a gathering space with beautiful areas set aside for meetings or weddings. There will be a full kitchen on the floor, Heinberg said.

On the third floor, Heaven, The Spa, will offer the best views of any spa in the country. Imagine being pampered, as only Darcy Chambers can I've been told, and having a great view of Lake Pend Oreille.

There's more, much more, coming and we will keep you informed.

If you would like to know more about The Seasons, contact the local sales office. Chris and Kathy Chambers of Tomlinson Black are leading the sales charge.

Kathy is Heinberg's sister-in-law. Darcy Chambers is Chris Chambers' sister.

In fact, it was Christmas visits here by Jay and his family that sold them on the idea of building The Seasons.

The Seasons has all the makings of being a premiere attraction for Sandpoint and the Pacific Northwest. It's another sure sign that we have been discovered.

With Chris and Kathy Chambers leading the local efforts, I'm sure this is going to be a great project.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee. His column runs Tuesdays.