Gamer's Haven resurrected

POST FALLS - When The Gamer's Haven burned down in January 2008 Bob Kelly was crushed.

He owned the strategy board game and collectible card shop and hangout for gamers on East Sherman Avenue in Coeur d'Alene for seven years.

Six months after Kelly sold the business to spend more time with family, it, along with two other businesses and apartments, were gutted by fire.

"My wife, our son and I went down to watch (the fire)," Kelly said. "Our dreams were on fire. It was horrible."

But, two years later, with Kelly shepherding the way, The Gamer's Haven is back.

A group of investors have tapped Kelly, respected in the region for painting game pieces and his knowledge of games in general, to resurrect the same retail shop-game room combination concept in Post Falls in the Harbor Ridge plaza across from Trading Co. Store.

It's been a soft opening since Feb. 12 with a warm welcome, Kelly said.

Signage isn't complete and artwork hasn't been hung, but gamers are hearing by word of mouth about the comeback.

Some, including Post Falls' James Morris, have volunteered their labor to get the hangout and store up and running.

"I'm ecstatic," Morris said. "It's something the community has been lacking - ample room to get together to associate with friends and have a fun time."

Of the store's 2,000 square feet, 1,500 is dedicated to tables with board games in back of the retail area. A wall with turrets divide the two spaces, giving customers and gamers an immediate sense of the type of business when they enter.

"I've been told 'thank you' by so many people for re-opening," Kelly said. "It is a gamer's haven."

The tables have strategy games such as War Hammer 40K and Flames of War on them along with detailed pieces. New comfortable office chairs are plentiful.

"When you're playing games, six to eight hours is a long time on a folding chair," Morris said. "This is not just about the sales. It's also about the interaction with the community and the hobby."

Kelly said he hopes to become part owner of the business that was once his after he's through consulting for The Gamer's Haven, LLC.

"Everybody dreams about doing what they love for a living," said Kelly, who also worked in the flooring and cabinet-making sectors. "This is what I love and hope to turn back into a living."

Kelly said the decision to re-open in Post Falls was based on its proximity to customers both in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. League play and tournaments will be held.

Hours of the business at 1600 E. Seltice Way, Suite C, are: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (or midnight if people are playing a game); Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (or midnight if people are playing a game); and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The grand opening is March 5-7.

Information: 777-GAME (4263), www.TheGamersHaven.net (expected to be up soon)