NIC moves into Sandpoint

SANDPOINT — Thursday morning represented a landmark moment for higher education in Bonner County.

North Idaho College President Priscilla Bell signed a five-year lease to move the college satellite campus from Bonner Mall in Ponderay to the Sandpoint Event Center. The transition will bring a 40-percent increase in space and plug the college into the heart of downtown Sandpoint.

“I’ve always said that Sandpoint was the ultimate college town without a college,” economic consultant Mark Rivers said.

Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency is aiding the move with a contribution of $40,000 a year for four years. That money will help the college bear the increased costs of the relocation. Bell, along with vice president of resource management Ron Dorn and SURA chairman Eric Paull, signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday outlining the organizations’ responsibilities.

Economic development program Sandpoint Forward representatives and Rivers helped broker the deal, a process that was a year in the making. Rivers knew that SURA members cited an increased higher education presence in Sandpoint as one of their priorities in both their 2005 and 2010 plans. When the NIC opportunity presented itself, everyone agreed that an investment in learning was a smart bet.

NIC officials still have to negotiate a termination agreement with Bonner Mall in Ponderay. However, Bell said the process has been moving along smoothly.

“Ponderay has been amazing through this process,” Bell said. “We are truly grateful for their graciousness and hospitality and look forward to continuing our wonderful relationship with everyone involved.”

The college, now branded NIC at Sandpoint, will be ready to go for the fall semester this year. In addition to expanding available space from 6,000 square feet to 8,200 square feet, the facility offers a theater, gymnasium and commercial kitchen. With those kind of resources on hand, local educators will find their teaching conditions dramatically improved. The fact that the building previously served as the local high school adds a symbolic garnish to the move.

“I think it’s unique in a sort of nostalgic way that we’re using the old high school for this,” Rivers said.

Event center owners are open to leasing more space to NIC if their expansion plans warrant it. As for other considerations like parking, Rivers said the facility should meet all the expected needs. The center will continue leasing office space and rent out for special events. In fact, NIC affiliate Area Agency on Aging will be moving into the center as well, allowing for greater integration. Likewise, the Head Start school readiness program, another NIC agency, is located just across the street.

However, the facility’s proximity to downtown Sandpoint offers even greater opportunities. With so many artisans, musicians, performers and cultural movers and shakers immediately accessible, NIC officials hope to synergize their educational offerings with local resources. According to Bell, the college has definite plans to expand classes in both academic and professional and technical training.

“I also see NIC working closely with the arts community and visual performances in the area,” Bell said.

For Sandpoint, this NIC move is just the beginning. According to Rivers, community leaders see this as the impetus for a robust higher education network utilizing post-secondary education, lifelong learning and eventually a liberal arts program.

“I think this is really exciting,” Rivers said. “NIC has been a great partner and everything has been terrific throughout this whole process.”