Spokane-based developer and contractor Gerald Kofmehl has proposed constructing a roughly $5 million multiuse building on the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Bernard Street in downtown Spokane, says Brian Butler, spokesperson for the project and co-owner of Precision Pilates Inc., a potential tenant of the future structure.

To be named the Pacific Building, the structure would be located next to the prominent downtown Armory Building, which is located at 202 W. Second and houses Laser Quest, Wild Walls Inc., and other tenants.

As envisioned, the Pacific Building will be five stories tall and have an underground parking level. Each floor will have about 12,000 square feet of floor space, says Butler.

The first, second, third, and fourth floors are expected to be for commercial use, and the fifth floor will be made into condominiums, at least two of which have already been spoken for, he says. Depending on demand, some of the fourth floor may be turned into condos as well.

Trek Architecture, of Spokane, is the architect, and Kofmehl Inc., of Spokane, will be the contractor.

The developer is looking to secure financing once 50 percent to 60 percent of the building is preleased or purchased, Butler says.

A construction timeline hasn’t been finalized, but Butler says building permits are expected to be issued within a couple of months, and the project most likely will be completed within 18 months after that. The existing 3,500-square-foot, single-story building, at the site currently is being demolished.

In addition to Precision Pilates, which Butler owns with his wife, Amber, the building already has lease commitments from other tenants. Although he declines to identify potential tenants, Butler says most of them are health care-related businesses or practices.

There’s a demand in the neighborhood for upper scale condos and fitness-related businesses, he claims.

“It been a goal of (Kofmehl) to build a building like this on that location,” says Butler. “He sees a great need for it. … It’s just become a very desirable area, and it’s an opportune time to put this building up.”

As for Precision Pilates, the studio will occupy 5,000 to 6,000 square feet on the first floor. He and his wife, who is the principal instructor at the studio, previously operated the business out of the building currently on future Pacific Building site. The couple recently moved their business across the street to 215 W. Second, and Butler says they think the Pacific Building will serve its clients “exceedingly well.”

“We feel pretty committed and dedicated to the area,” says Butler. “It’s our home.”

Established in 2004, Precision Pilates offers various fitness classes, including Pilates, cardio, and spin classes. The studio also offers esthetician services, athletic training, and has a massage therapist and a spiritual counselor, says Butler.

Next door to Precision Pilates’ current home, PTA Performance, an affiliate of Physical Therapy Associates PS, is converting space formerly occupied by Flexhibits, at 211 W. Second, into a performance and wellness center, says Louis Hurd III, president of the business.

PTA Realty LLC, which has shared ownership with PTA Performance, purchased the site in January, says Mark McLees, commercial broker with Spokane-based NAI Black, who handled the transaction.

PTA Performance specializes in physical therapy and sports performance, Hurd says. Its space will include a full basketball court, a physical therapy practice, nutrition services, yoga, wellness programs for people with doctor referrals, and fitness groups for people with autism and Down syndrome.

He and Wild Walls owner Timon Behan plan to hold concerts, block parties, and help the homeless in that area, says Hurd.