Bloem hopes to 'bring back the good vibes'

POST FALLS — The first phase of a major renovation at Templin’s on the River is complete. 

“The scope of what we've been able to do the last three months has been very impressive,” said River Bloem, general manager. “We're trying to bring it back to its former glory." 

The list of improvements is long. 

Significant repairs were made to the marina docks, including floats and replacement of all tarps. The security system was replaced with new cameras and new gates. The landscaping was completely redone, the gas shack was remodeled, the fuel system was replaced and upgraded, the pump out system was repaired and the snack shack was renovated and repainted. 

Tables, chairs, couches, barstools and a fire pit were added to the patio. 

StanCraft, a Hayden-based private family of companies, in partnership with an investor group, announced the acquisition of Templin’s on the River earlier this year.  

Neither the purchase price nor the investment in renovations was disclosed. 

Founded in 1986, Templin’s is a 167-room waterfront hotel, bar and marina. The hotel will be upgraded throughout this year and next with updated amenities, landscaping, lighting and guest room enhancements. All food and beverage offerings will also be enhanced and relaunched with a strong guest service culture, a press release said. 

The marina work was completed by StanCraft Marine Construction. The rest of the improvements were led by StanCraft Construction Group. 

A StanCraft spokesman said Post Falls is a growing community and is where StanCraft originated in North Idaho.  

“We are happy to have the opportunity to improve a landmark in the city in which StanCraft planted roots in North Idaho,” according to a company statement. “The marina is a natural progression based on the talents of our team and the talents of StanCraft Marine Construction. We believe we can provide a luxury option for North Idaho with access to Lake Coeur d’Alene.” 

Bloem is a “longtime Spokane River guy.” He grew up visiting Templin’s with family for fishing, ice cream and outings on the water when he was a boy and recalled it was a special place. 

“I loved going there as a kid,” he said. “There’s still good fishing there.” 

Templin’s has always been a staple of the river and the town, River Bloem said, but in recent years fell on tough times. 

Leading renovation efforts has meant a great deal to him. 

“It’s cool to be part of this project,” Bloem said. “I never thought I would work at Templin's." 

Bloem said they are focusing on “the family feel” and already, he’s seen more families stopping in. 

“We want to bring back the good vibes that were there when I was a kid,” he said. 

While they have completed many improvements, there’s more to come, Bloem said, and when it’s all finished, it promises to breathe new life into Templin’s on the River. 

“To be part of that, enriching the experience on the river, feels good,” he said. 

StanCraft is a thriving company. 

StanCraft Wooden Boats is the anchor business that started the StanCraft family of companies back in 1933.  

The company manufactures hand-crafted wooden boats at the facility in Hayden. StanCraft Jet Center operates in Hayden. StanCraft Construction Group and StanCraft Marine Construction are also based in the Hayden office, completing high-end residential and large commercial projects across North Idaho and Eastern Washington. StanCraft Marine Center operates a storage and service business with locations on Northwest Boulevard and in Rathdrum. In total, StanCraft companies employ over 250 people. 

Boat slips at Templin's on the River are available for the 2024 season and existing marina customers have the opportunity to renew their moorage agreement for this season, the release said. 

The marina has 168 slips. Call 208-620-6797 for availability or to join the waitlist for a 2025 slip. 

    A view from above of Templin’s on the River in Post Falls.