Inn expansion put on temporary hold
October 25, 2012
Work began late last month clearing houses, including the old Blue Bird store, along the north side of Arizona Street in Bonners Ferry's Eaton Addition to make room for expanding the Kootenai River Inn with 36 new guest rooms.
Kathleen Dinning photo
An artist's rendition of what the Kootenai River Inn expansion project will look like when completed in May, 2013.
By Mike Weland

Kootenai Tribal Chair Jennifer Porter
Work got underway recently on a 20,800 square foot expansion project to add 36 new guest rooms at the Kootenai River Inn, but the project has been put on voluntary temporary hold to address concerns raised by the city and the Army Corps of Engineers.

"It was basically a lack of communication between all the parties involved," Bonners Ferry City Administrator Steve Boorman told the mayor and city council at a special meeting Monday.

The questions, Boorman said, regard the height of the levy, whether all necessary Army Corps permits have been approved and issued and the status of landscaping work planned on city property.

The issues, he said, are expected to be resolved in short order so that the project can continue.

In June, renovation work was completed on all the existing riverfront guest rooms, including a new shower and bath design exclusive to the Kootenai Tribe, which owns the inn. The design will be continued in the new wing, which is expected to be complete in May.

The new wing will also upgrade the inn's laundry and engineering facilities.

"We always want the best experience for our guests," said Kootenai Tribal Chair Jennifer Porter. "That has led to many improvements over the years. Now well be excited to welcome people to these beautiful new rooms."

Another rendering of the completed project.
The Kootenai River Inn opened in 1986 and rapidly became one of the largest private employers in Boundary County and the cornerstone of the county's tourism and hospitality industry under the management of Hagadone Hospitality.

When this project is complete, the inn will boast 101 guest rooms, including two new deluxe family suites, more than 500 gaming machines in three casinos, the world-class Springs Restaurant and Lounge and the Kootenai Spa, drawing guests to our community from around the world, primarily from Idaho, Canada, Washington and Montana.

"The Tribal Council is excited to be able to expand employment during these challenging economic times and create new opportunities for our existing and new team members," Porter said.

The architectural design of the new addition was created by Rann Haight Architect, Coeur d'Alene, the architectural work by Longwell + Trapp Architects, Hayden, and construction by T.W. Clark, Spokane.

To find out more about the Kootenai River Inn & Casino, visit www.kootenairiverinn.com or call 1-888-875-8259 (888-87-LUCKY).