North Idaho is experiencing a significant wave of business expansions and health services upgrades, reflecting the region’s rapid growth and evolving needs. Recent developments encompass healthcare service consolidation, the opening of new restaurants, the rise of coffee and pastry shops, and a variety of commercial and residential projects. Collectively, these activities are poised to enhance local infrastructure and meet community demands more effectively.
Heritage Health’s Expansion and Consolidation
Heritage Health, a comprehensive medical center serving nearly 26,000 patients in North Idaho, is set to expand its operations by consolidating several locations into a new, state-of-the-art facility at 3700 W. Seltice Way in Coeur d’Alene. This strategic move, announced by Heritage Health CEO Mike Baker, aims to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care by bringing various health services under one roof. The new facility, named the Center of Healthy Living, will accommodate divisions for therapy, recovery services, and NBS.
Behavioral Health Services is scheduled to move into the new facility by mid-January, while medical services, including pediatrics, dental, and pharmacy, are set to relocate by 2026. Heritage Health, established in 1985 by Lidwin Dirne, achieved the status of a federally qualified community health center in 2004 and has since expanded to encompass 12 clinic locations across multiple North Idaho towns. This consolidation is expected to significantly enhance the organization’s capability to serve the increasing health care needs of the regional population.
New Restaurant Openings in North Idaho
The restaurant scene in North Idaho is experiencing a rapid transformation, with several new dining establishments opening their doors to the public. Taco Bell has recently launched a new outlet at 6463 W. Pointe Parkway in Post Falls. This latest branch features a well-appointed dining area, a dual drive-through, and options for both delivery and mobile ordering to cater to the evolving demands of modern consumers. The restaurant operates from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily and employs around 40 team members, contributing to the local job market.
Another exciting addition to the local culinary landscape is Madd Chicken, which is set to open on January 9 at 1520 Government Way. Owned by Tim Bastedo, Tom Gasper, and Scott Luna, Madd Chicken offers an enticing menu that includes chicken, steak, shrimp, and pork teriyaki bowls, as well as hamburgers, grilled chicken burgers, French fries, and unique teriyaki fries. The restaurant will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, providing a cozy seating area for 24 patrons and specializing in scratch-made foods with minimal ingredients and a house-made gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
Coffee and Pastry Shops on the Rise
North Idaho is also witnessing a surge in the number of coffee and pastry shops, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, specialty beverages and baked goods. The Human Bean is one notable example, with a new location under construction at 7321 W. Prairie Ave. in Post Falls. Set to open in February, this two-sided drive-through coffee shop will offer a wide array of coffee drinks, smoothies, energy drinks, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries, providing a convenient option for on-the-go refreshments.
Additionally, B. Boulangerie Bakery will open its doors in January at 8214 N. Government Way in Hayden. The Paniagua family, owners of the bakery, aim to bring a touch of French culinary artistry to the local community by offering a delectable selection of French-inspired pastries and chocolates. This addition not only enriches the local gastronomic scene but also provides residents with artisanal, high-quality baked goods that support local businesses and foster a sense of community.
Marketplaces and Grocery Store Development
To keep pace with the burgeoning population of North Idaho, several new marketplaces and grocery stores are in development, offering a variety of options for shopping and dining. The Post Falls Local Market, scheduled to open at Highway 41 and Hope Avenue, is set to feature a diverse mix of amenities including an espresso coffee shop, a San Francisco Sourdough restaurant, a deli, and a broad selection of groceries and beverages. This market aims to become a one-stop shop for residents, catering to their daily needs while promoting local commerce.
Similarly, the Early Dawn Commercial Center, situated at the intersection of Highway 41 and Early Dawn, is planned to open in April. This center will house multiple commercial suites, providing ample retail space for businesses to serve the community better. Additionally, the North Point Plaza, located at the junction of Poleline and Highway 41, will feature a 7-Eleven and a Grocery Outlet store, both of which are set to open in early 2025. These developments are expected to enhance the retail infrastructure of the region, ensuring that residents have access to a wide range of products and services within close proximity.
Expanding Restaurant Scene
The restaurant industry in North Idaho is not only expanding but also diversifying, with a variety of new dining establishments set to open. One of the exciting upcoming additions is Raising Canes, which has filed a site development application for a new restaurant at 201 Neider Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. Known for its focus on chicken fingers and a straightforward menu, Raising Canes will bring its signature fast-casual dining experience to the local community, adding to the region’s culinary diversity.
Alongside this, North Idaho will see the introduction of other appealing eateries, including a ramen restaurant named Supa Japanese and a new pizza place that will replace the former Syringa building on Fourth Street. Both restaurants are anticipated to open within the next year, offering locals and visitors alike a broader range of dining options and contributing to the vibrant, eclectic food scene in the area. These new openings reflect a robust restaurant industry that continues to thrive and evolve in response to the community’s changing tastes and preferences.
Commercial and Residential Development
North Idaho is experiencing a significant uptick in commercial and residential development projects, which collectively contribute to the region’s growth and modernization. Various mixed-use buildings and residential projects are under construction, including the Thomas George building and the Appleway Quarter new building, alongside multiple commercial and residential units spread across different locales. These developments are designed to cater to the increasing demand for living spaces and commercial facilities resulting from the region’s rapid population growth.
Moreover, new office spaces for businesses such as J-U-B Engineers and the Huetter Business Park are set to open, providing flexible industrial and office space configurations to meet diverse business needs. The enhanced business infrastructure is further supported by constructions like the Marcus Anderson building and the Marketplaces@Miles retail vendor mall, both located in Hayden. These projects not only bolster the local economy but also create employment opportunities and attract businesses to the area, fostering a dynamic and prosperous community.
Noteworthy New Businesses
Several new businesses are making their mark in North Idaho, each bringing unique offerings and services to the community. Yozzy Overland, known for specializing in outdoor products, is set to relocate to a larger space off Huetter Road north of I-90. This move will enable the business to expand its inventory and better serve the area’s outdoor enthusiasts, facilitating greater access to high-quality outdoor gear and equipment.
Another noteworthy addition is the Coffee Warehouse, slated to open early in 2025. This new 50,000-square-foot facility in Post Falls will offer an extensive range of coffee products and delivery options, catering to both individual consumers and businesses. The influx of these innovative enterprises highlights the region’s appeal as a thriving business hub and underscores the economic vitality that characterizes North Idaho.
Upcoming Hospitality Developments
North Idaho is currently experiencing a considerable surge in business expansions and improvements in health services, indicative of the region’s swift growth and evolving needs. Recently, there has been a noticeable focus on consolidating healthcare services to provide more comprehensive and efficient medical care. Additionally, the area is welcoming a variety of new businesses, including the opening of several new restaurants, which are adding to the local dining options and contributing to the area’s culinary diversity.
Moreover, there is a noticeable rise in coffee shops and bakeries, providing residents with more places to enjoy quality beverages and pastries. These new establishments are fostering a vibrant and lively atmosphere in the community, offering spaces for social interaction and relaxation.
In tandem with these commercial developments, North Idaho is seeing an uptick in both commercial and residential projects. These projects are instrumental in enhancing the local infrastructure, accommodating the growing population, and meeting the increasing demands of the community.
Collectively, these activities are not only boosting the local economy but also improving the quality of life for residents. The region’s proactive approach to development and infrastructure is setting a strong foundation for sustained growth and prosperity, ensuring that North Idaho remains a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
