Construction begins on new building downtown

Construction work began Monday for a new building on the vacant lot at the corner of Baker Avenue and Second Street.

The Galleries will be a two-story building housing retail space on the first floor and lodging on the second, according to Tyler Frank with Malmquist Construction.

“It will be a good addition to Whitefish,” Frank said. “It will be a good connection of stores for Second Street.”

Frank declined to reveal a name, but did say the owner of the building has ties to Whitefish.

In order to perform utility work, Baker Avenue between East Second and East Third Street will be closed through Friday, Aug. 15.

The building will be constructed using reclaimed timber siding, along with beam and iron work. The building is expected to be about 13,500 square feet in size.

An art gallery is expected to move into one of the retail spaces, but three spaces remain open on the first floor.

On the second floor, six lodging units will be available for nightly and weekly rentals. Planned are two-bedroom and one-bedroom suites that include kitchenettes and laundry facilities.

Six parking spots will be created along the south side of the building.

Frank said excavation work will close the sidewalk around the corner lot for about two months and then a covered walkway will allow for pedestrian access during construction.

“There will be different phases of construction, but we want everyone to know that there will be access to the businesses around us,” Frank said.

Construction of The Galleries building is expected to take about a year to complete, he noted.

Previously a gas station and Dominos pizza place have occupied the corner.

For questions about the construction closures, contact Frank at 471-8322.