Rathdrum Chamber on the move
LOREN BENOIT/Press The Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce plans to move from the 1905 building at 8184 Main St. The move is temporary while the chamber looks for a more permanent place to call home.
Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jane Pierce pulls out photo albums from storage to show the press during an interview Thursday. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
The Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce will temporarily move to the Palidash building at 8052 Main St, starting on May 1. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
RATHDRUM — As Rathdrum grows up, its chamber of commerce wants to grow with it.
The Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce plans to temporarily move from the 1905 building at 8184 Main St. that was formerly used as a fire station, City Hall and the city's Public Works Department to the Palidash building at 8052 Main St. on May 1.
However, the bigger move will occur over the next two years as the chamber looks for a permanent place to call its own.
"We just haven't had a chamber office representative of what the community will be," said Jerry Tretwold, a chamber of commerce member who is among those organizing the office relocation campaigns. "There are just so many advantages to having our own home."
Tretwold said the chamber of commerce appreciates the relationship it has had with the city in the existing location while it has leased the building from the city for $1 per year. The nonprofit has paid for utilities and internet service.
"It has been a bargain deal, but it's just not big enough," he said.
Tretwold said the heating and ventilation is also poor in the old brick building. It still has signs of yesteryear, including the frame of the fire engine door out front.
Tretwold said the new office across from City Hall will provide a "classy" temporary location until a new home is found.
The chamber is keeping its options open with the permanent site, including whether it will move into an existing building or a new office it builds.
"There is just not a lot of land available," Tretwold said. "We're hoping somebody can (offer a good deal) or donate property."
Chamber members were presented information on the agency’s future during a meeting on Thursday at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
Tretwold said he's confident the business community will see the need and come through. Architect Paul Matthews, who designed the Palidash building that his business operates from, will assist in the future plans.
Leon Duce, city administrator, said the city has not determined how its building will be used after the chamber moves out.
"We will be looking at department needs and staffing needs first," he said. "After that we will look at renting or selling the business."