Neighborhood of the Week: Fort Grounds

For centuries, it was Yap-Keehn-Um, "The Gathering Place." Each summer, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe came to fish, play, swim, dance, and feast on the beaches at the north end of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Then the white man arrived, and The Gathering Place became Camp Coeur d'Alene, which was later named Fort Sherman, after General William T. Sherman. The command relocated during the Spanish-American War and the fort was abandoned in September 1900 - but the fort grounds remained.

Today, The Gathering Place is once again a place where people come to fish, play, swim and dance, but also to live - in the Fort Grounds.

The Fort Grounds is one of the first neighborhoods established in Coeur d'Alene, consisting of 22-plus acres tucked along the lake between North Idaho College and City Park. An eclectic mix of roughly 110 homes populate the narrow, tree-lined streets. Many of the houses are more than 100 years old; some were relocated from Farragut Park, the WWII-era naval training station located at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille. All are lovingly maintained, and reflect the sense of pride the residents feel in this unique place they call home.

In 1992, the Fort Grounds was designated as a historic neighborhood and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, recognizing it as a resource worthy of preservation and protection.

You can still find a few of the original fort buildings as you stroll across the grounds. Fort Sherman Chapel was built in 1880, and is one of the oldest structures in Idaho. The officers quarters and magazine were also restored, and are now part of the NIC campus.

Rick Gunther is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, but he and his family have lived in the Fort Grounds for 33 years, so the neighborhood holds a special place in his heart. He has owned three homes here, and is currently building townhouses on the lakefront.

"It's a great collection of really, really old homes that have been there a really, really long time," Gunther said. And the residents are incredibly diverse. "It's a real eclectic group of people."

Over the past 10-12 years, the neighborhood has undergone a transition. Homes are being renovated, or removed to make room for new ones. There are currently six houses being remodeled and two new ones under construction, along with Gunther's four townhomes. But in spite of these changes, the Fort Grounds has retained its quaint, historic feel.

By square foot, it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in town. Part of its desirability, along with the historic nature and beautiful homes, is the convenient location.

"Location is a big plus," Gunther said. "You can walk to the park, to the beach, and to NIC." Not to mention, you can take the Centennial Trail to Riverstone, Post Falls, or just about anywhere that can be accessed by the area's network of trails.

About 10 years ago, the streets were restricted to permit parking to solve the issue of NIC students filling the parking spaces, leaving few for the residents. Now that a permit is required to park, the traffic has lessened, resulting in a more peaceful neighborhood. The addition of the new entrances has also solved the traffic problems of the past, making it easier for residents to get to and from home.

The Fort Grounds area is still experiencing transition. The Four Corners project - where Northwest Boulevard turns into Sherman Avenue at the intersection of Mullan Avenue and Government Way - will ultimately result in a green space that stretches from City Park through Memorial Field to Riverstone. And once McEuen Park is completed, that will add to the parklike feel of downtown Coeur d'Alene, as well.

Gunther was instrumental in starting the first homeowners association in 1983-84. Their main function is to communicate with the City of Coeur d'Alene regarding issues such as traffic and special events that directly affect the neighborhood (Coeur d'Alene IRONMAN, Art on the Green, and the fireworks, for example). Residents do not pay HOA fees.

There is only one home for sale right now in the Fort Grounds. Prices have increased due to the improving real estate market, and range from a low of $350,000 to $1 million plus. Over the years, Gunther has sold a couple dozen homes in the neighborhood, mostly resale. "Not a lot come on the market," he said.

There are no architectural restrictions in the community; construction just has to meet city standards. Most of the homes are Craftsman-type, old-world design.

"There's a real feeling of living in a resort," Gunther said, "with the beach, the park, the lake, and all of the downtown activities. You are lucky if you can get a house in there."

So if your tastes lean toward a place where you can easily walk or bike everywhere - where you can wander tree-lined streets and sense the spirits of long-forgotten soldiers and natives walking with you - where you can live in a 100-year-old home and appreciate the rich history of a place - then the Fort Grounds is for you.

For more information on finding your home in the Fort Grounds, contact Rick Gunther at (208) 664-1461.