A major demolition project in downtown Sandpoint that should spark spectators and camera buffs hoping to capture a piece of local history one last time before its demolished.

Pending final permits, demolition of the former Harold's IGA and Sandpoint Cinema 4 buildings will begin in March and will be conducted in three phrases.

Marked by its colorful past, Harold's grocery store has survived the depression, a murder and a spectacular fire, which has stood for more than half a century.

The removal of both buildings will clear the site for Intermountain Community Bancorp's three-story, 60-foot high financial complex, which is expected to break ground in July.


“Currently, IMCB owns the building and site property," said vice president and senior project manager Jim Burnett. "We expect total cost of the Sandpoint Financial and TechnicalCenter with its Class A tenant space and incredible natural common area to be $13 - $14 million depending upon the tenant improvements requested."

The 90,000-square-foot building will showcase a 5,000-square-foot glass atrium with skylights, live pine trees and a cascading waterfall will consolidate the bank's administrative offices and lease office space on the second and third floors.

The first phase of the three-tiered demolition project will center around removing all asbestos material from the property.

When completed, the second phase -- which includes the actual demolition of the buildings -- will be spearheaded by the Sandpoint Fire Department and other area agencies for both fire and emergency training exercises over a two- to three-week period.

After the debris and waste has been removed and the site cleaned, the final phase will consist of site preparation for construction of the new financial center.

The anticipated completion date for the project is targeted for July 2007. Selection of a general contractor has not yet been finalized, but bank officials said they expect to announce their decision soon.