Marriott, city working on 'compaction issues'

The city of Coeur d'Alene is working with representatives of the Marriott hotel under construction at Sixth and Sherman to resolve "findings of compaction issues."

"The dirt isn't compacted to where we would like," said Todd Feusier, streets and engineering department director in a recent phone interview with The Press.

Work on a six-story Marriott hotel began last year in the downtown area and could be completed next year. It would have 131 rooms, 130 parking spaces, three stories of underground parking, a fitness center, rooftop bar and outdoor patio. 

At the Nov. 4 City Council meeting, Councilman Dan Gookin asked City Administrator Troy Tymesen about ground problems he had heard about at the worksite.

"We are working with the developer and the engineer to remedy that situation," Tymesen said.

He said there have been multiple meetings and videoing of "voids" along an east wall.

"So, it's being taken care of?" Gookin said. "If people want to contact us and they have concerns about, I don't know, Parkside falling over, it's being taken care of?"

"Yes, we are addressing that with engineering and meetings and talking with the owners," Tymesen said.

Feusier said the situation came to light about a month ago and is not an immediate hazard. He said the city wants to make sure the area surrounding the Marriott project is compacted properly so there is no long-standing problem.

He said it's not surprising that construction going three stories below grade would have compaction issues.

"This is not uncommon," Feusier said.

The city wants to be sure all requirements are met before the building goes all the way vertical.

"We are making sure we have a solid foundation," Feusier said.

Marriott officials and representatives could not be reached for comment.