Sportsman, Don K, The Wave propose expansions, updates

Three Whitefish businesses are looking to update or expand their current buildings.

The Wave is looking to expand its fitness facility on Baker Avenue. The Don K dealership aims to construct a new building and make changes to the existing buildings at its Highway 93 location. Sportsman and Ski Haus intends to create a new storefront for its location at the Mountain Mall.

All three recently went before the city’s Architectural Review Committee with their proposed changes.

The Wave intends to add 9,200 square feet to the fitness center. The renovation and expansion will take place on the southwest side of the building.

Plans include expanding the daycare area, party rooms, aerobic room and reorganization of the mens and womens locker rooms. The childrens locker rooms will be reconfigured for better access to the pool. Additional family changing rooms will be added as well.

The expansion will be constructed so that a second floor could be added above the new addition.

The Wave is set to go before the City-County Planning Board Thursday for a request for a conditional use permit for the expansion.

The Don K car dealership is looking to construct a new building to house its Subaru dealership. The new roughly 15,000 square foot building is planned for the previously empty lot to the north of the existing dealership.

“We’ve completely outgrown our current facility there,” Don Kaltschmidt told the committee. “That’s why we’re expanding.”

It’s anticipated that the Chevrolet dealership will move into the current Subaru space and Chrysler will move into the Chevrolet space. The two buildings will be joined together into one building. Designs include constructing a covered drive-through canopy on the south side of the building.

Sportsman and Ski Haus has plans to update the facade of its leased space at the mall. The new look will mirror its Kalispell store with stonework, wood, metal and large glass windows. The inside of the store is expected to be reconfigured to have more of a showcase entry.

“Sportsman would like to add a little more interest to their entry area,” David Koel with CTA architects said. “The concept is to take what’s there and resurface it. This has a branding effort and an attempt to tie in with what happens in downtown Whitefish.”

The face of the building also needs to be stabilized, he noted.

“We’re hoping this can set a new precedent for the area that future development can draw from,” Koel said.