POST FALLS — Over the last few years, the former Idaho Veneer has transformed into Millworx.   

With the creation of new businesses such as Kindred and Co., Ellie Mental Health and Shift Fitness, Millworx has been slowly adding to the businesses offered in the neighborhood.  

During the unveiling of the new artwork and walkthrough of the developing neighborhood June 12, Mayor Ron Jacobson commended the retail anchor that Kindred and Co. has become. 

"It’s great to have that vision coming into reality. For the ladies who own Kindred, this facility is second to none," Jacobson said. "This is a real cornerstone for your whole development. I think you did it right."    

At the same time, landmarks combine materials from the past into new landmarks, such as the metalwork and clocktower commemorating the logging history of Post Falls adorning the Fourth Avenue roundabout along with the towering hog silo.  

City Councilor Joe Malloy’s family, through the Idaho Veneer factory, turned 704 E. Fourth Ave. into a hub of activity in 1953.  

Since then, the land has been changing rapidly when Idaho Veneer closed its doors in 2021.  

Malloy noted in the June unveiling how A and A Construction went out of its way to “preserve what made this town so great” in the changes it made to the neighborhood. 

“Change, as you know, can be a mixed bag, it also brings exciting opportunities,” Malloy said.     

Danny Davis of TOK Commercial Real Estate said that above all else, the development team for Millworx is searching for the right partnerships.     

“I have to tip my hat at the development team, it was a scary time to be making investments of this size,” Davis said. 

The intention has been to build a “Kendell Yards-esque" neighborhood and with Millworx properties at Heartwood, North Yards and the future Hyatt Place and Silo Block North, the vision has more pieces being added as they slot into place.  

Of the land in the neighborhood that remains, as of Tuesday, there are 3 acres next to the future home of Hyatt Place, the 151-room hotel slated for completion in December.  

“When it comes to the remaining vacant land, we’ve had plenty of people who want apartments or want a hotel. We’ve said no,” Davis said.  

Some elements that would supplement the holdings already placed include grocers, pickleball courts or gyms for indoor basketball and/or baseball.  

Davis said there’s an interest to include neighboring businesses that offer medical or active health and wellness options.   

A smaller lot is nearby with about 0.2 acres that Davis said would be a good fit for a quick service restaurant like Raising Canes or Chick-fil-A. 

Near Kindred and Company, a pad of land has been kept open for possible uses. Around the old Idaho Veneer office, Davis said properties still remain in play.   

The developers have floated the idea of adult senior homes, not assisted living, but there are still “areas on offer,” Davis noted. 

A property south of Fourth Avenue for offices and retail is pending while it is being developed.    

In the Millworx North Yards building, there are currently three open suites. 

“There’s a potential of a new building that could go there,” Davis said. “Something that brings the community to the project.” 

The possibility of featuring an indoor farmers market has been discussed. 

The goal is to bring in community elements that “excite people” and brings them in to visit the neighborhood, Davis said. 

The anchor Kindred and Co. has become for the neighborhood has set a tone that the Davis said the developers want to carry forward into the rest of the neighborhood. 

“I'm really proud of where we’ve gotten. We're delivering the 151-unit Hyatt, we’ve welcomed Ellie Mental Health,” Davis said. “We have Shift, who has been an excellent source for nutrition, and we'll have Piccolo’s here in that corner very soon.” 

    Brooke Sexton looks at historic photos of where Millworx now stands in one of their model homes.

  

   A rendering of Hyatt Place in the Millworx development in Post Falls.
  

    Millworx townhouses
  

    Robert Jacobs leads a walking tour through Millworx properties at the Heartwood, North Yards and the future Hyatt Place and Silo Block North.