Chamber preps former facility

SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is moving to a new home with a lakeside view.

After thorough discussions with board, chamber officials announced the local economic engine will be leaving its downtown location for its former facility along Highway 95 near Sand Creek. The chamber already owns the property as opposed to its current leased center, making the move a smart financial decision. “We decided the most fiscally viable and responsible thing we could do was to repair the building we already owned,” Chamber President Kate McAlister said.

The chamber originally departed from the location in 2009 when some serious structural issues came to light. Since then, the board put together a capital and infrastructure team to investigate possibilities for a permanent building. Headed up by Loan Star Mortgage originator Jim Lovell, the team determined that the structure’s bones were in good shape and would make a great home once again after a little tender loving care. According to McAlister, the response from businesses to the move plans were immediate and overwhelming. People donated their time and services, while retail stores offered up some essential materials, cutting back on expenses significantly. Panhandle Building Contractors Association is contributing heavily to the project, as is Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

“Contractors literally just started coming forward and saying, ‘We’ll help,’” McAlister said. Thanks to improved technology and procedures, chamber officials can also add a few key improvements to the property. And they can do it in a manner that’s easier on the environment.

“There are some things we can do to be greener,” McAlister said. “We’re trying to do this in the best way possible.” Work is already progressing rapidly on the renovations, and the visitor’s portion of the new facility should be open by July 1. If work continues to go smoothly, McAlister anticipates the chamber completing the transition by late fall.

In a somewhat mysterious development, the renovations have uncovered a lost bit of historical info. According to McAlister, the Highway 95 location used to be known as Monument Park. However, the nature of the park or the symbolic significance of the monument is still unknown, and so far, investigations with the Bonner County Historical Society and other resources have come up empty. If anyone knows anything about Monument Park, they should contact chamber officials with more details. “If we can learn anything more, this could be the return of Monument Park,” McAlister said.

Otherwise, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce representatives are eager to continue work in readying their new home. “I think this is going to be great for the region,” McAlister said. “I really do.”