By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency has gone business hunting to provide another spark to the city center.

The URA is accepting bids through Jan. 12 for the lot at 310 N. Spokane St. that's six-tenths of an acre.

"The city would like to see some type of commercial development that would assist with our growing downtown," city administrator Shelly Enderud said. "Spokane Street is one of the busiest streets in Post Falls."

The site is west of Kootenai County's Department of Motor Vehicles and Vehicle Licensing offices on Railroad Avenue.

The URA named Enderud, city Public Services director Russ Connole, URA commissioners Jamé Davis and Rich Houser, dentist Erin Elliott, Artisan Portraits owner Kibbee Walton, and Mark Randolph of Roger’s Burgers as committee members to review the bids for the property.

"We are hoping to attract a quality development proposal with character and style that will create a strong visual statement in the City Center District and enhance the downtown area," said Diane Fountain, URA executive director. "It will be a catalyst to bring more business, jobs and tax revenue to the area."

The deadline to submit proposals is 4 p.m. Jan. 12. The request for proposal documents are at www.pfura.com. They can also be requested at postfallsura@gmail.com or by calling Fountain at 208-777-8151. More information is also at www.postfallsidaho.org.

The city's site is the result of a land swap earlier this year between the city and county.

The city bought a vacant 1.04-acre lot for $315,000 at 214 E. Railroad Ave. formerly owned by the Fraternal Order of Eagles next to Kootenai County's DMV building. The city then swapped the property for the county's lot along Spokane Street.

The county will convert its lot into parking for vehicle inspections.

The URA will close the City Center District in August 2018, making it the third district to close in Post Falls. Post Falls was the first URA in the state to close a district.

The taxable value in City Center has increased more than $40 million. Once closed, the increase in property values will be included in the taxing entities' budgets, which will likely reduce the levy rates for the taxpayer.