Downtown hotel design revealed

A conceptual design for a proposed downtown hotel shows a three-story brick building accented with numerous windows and canopies.

Local developer Orlan Sorensen is under contract to purchase the entire block at Third Street and Spokane Avenue, commonly known as Block 46. The preliminary design of the 80-room hotel was presented May 7 to the city’s Architectural Review Committee.

Sorensen said his concept for the hotel is an “industrial and contemporary” look.

“I want architecture that will be around for many years and not go out of date,” he said. “This is a higher-end hotel and so it has to have a look of class. We want it to fit in with town, also.”

The 90,000 square foot hotel including both retail and cafe space on the ground level is expected to front both Spokane Avenue and East Second Street. The main entrance and lobby is expected to be at the corner of the intersection. Guest room suites are planned primarily on the second and third floors.

The proposed $11.9 million hotel is expected to feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, conference rooms and a restaurant and bar. A 70-space parking lot for guests is planned for the backside of the hotel with access off of Kalispell Avenue. Angled street parking is also expected.

A conceptual sketch for the building shows streetscaping, suspended canopies with vegetation and older-style steel windows. Balconies for the guest rooms as well as a roof-top deck are shown.

The vision for the retail space and cafe with outdoor seating on Spokane Avenue is described as meant to be similar to the look of Central Avenue. The building is expected to be set back far enough from the street for space for a bike lane, planting area and walking area.

Developers hope to break ground this summer and have the hotel competed by next June. About 30 new jobs could be created with the project.

Sorensen approached the city May 6 about the possibility of using tax increment finance funds or resort tax dollars to assist with infrastructure projects. In order to start the project, a sewer line which runs underneath the property will need to be relocated. Sorensen also asked the city about assistance with sidewalk, parking and street amenities surrounding Block 46.

City council is considering a mix of resort tax and TIF funds to help fund the infrastructure projects. The project will have to get final approval from the ARC, planning board and council before breaking ground.