Big 5 eyes Sandpoint site

SANDPOINT — Western retail giant Big 5 Sporting Goods is in the process of opening a store in Sandpoint.

The proposed 10,000-square-foot store would be located on the southwest corner of Fifth Avenue and Fir Street, next to American West Bank, according to Sandpoint Planning Department documents.

Kirkland, Wash., architecture firm Freiheit & Ho is handling the building’s design and said the building and site will be harmonious with adjacent communities.

The firm said they will use natural building material, including stone and cedar shingles and, in accordance with city code, will provide 35 parking spaces.

The city is currently conducting a site plan review before the issue moves to the planning commission for a June 3 public hearing.

Sandpoint Public Works director Kody Van Dyk said there is no reason to believe the application will not be approved and said the store could have a building permit within six weeks and construction could begin as soon as two months from now.

Big 5 is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., and operates 365 locations throughout 11 western states.