A vacant lot in downtown Coeur d’Alene could become home to a 10-unit apartment building after it received the go-ahead from the city's Design Review Commission on Wednesday.  

The “304 Lofts” would be built on a .13-acre site at Third Street and Wallace Avenue. The 14,644-square-foot building would have five one-bedroom/studio units and five two-bedroom units.  

Architect Tim Wilson with Momentum Architecture, Inc., based in Bellevue, Wash., was pleased with the DRC's decision.

“We’d love to see this move forward,” he said. 

If the project sounds familiar, that’s because it was already approved, with some variations, by the DRC in 2022 on behalf of Bryan and Kathy Kolb.  

The DRC approval, however, was terminated one year from the date of approval, which was April 28, 2023, “because substantial development or actual commencement of authorized activities had not occurred."

The current owner/applicant, King Chinook, LLC, requested re-approval of the design previously approved by the DRC and got it. 

“Because there were no significant changes to the proposed project previously approved by the Design Review Commission, staff waived the required Project Review meeting and held an Initial Meeting on May 29 with developers  “in order to streamline the process,” a staff report said. 

No change to building footprint was proposed.  

“There’s a need for this in the downtown corridor,” said property owner Chris Gayte.

While 13 parking spots are required, the owner, King Chinook, LLC., will provide nine in a lower-level parking garage, and pay a fee of $10,000 each for the other four spots in lieu of parking. 

Entrance into the parking garage will be located along Wallace Avenue and tenants will exit onto the alley to the south.

DRC Commissioner Jon Ingalls had some concerns about developers being able to buy their way out of providing parking places, and questioned whether that could impact street space for residents.

But he said it was “arguably not germane" to the DRC approval's, adding that overall, he liked the project.

"I'm good,” Ingalls said.

Wilson said they expect some renters will not have cars, but get around via bikes. 

“I think you’re going to see more of that in the future," he said. 

The property, just a few blocks from the heart of downtown, was described as an “eyesore” Wednesday. It has been home to weeds, dirt and concrete blocks for the past few years and has changed hands multiple times. 

“Chris is looking forward to getting the project going as soon as possible," Wilson said.

DRC member Jeff Lemon called it a good project with great upside. 

“I like it," he said.