Canadians Discover Sandpoint

This past summer in Sandpoint seemed busier than it has been in several years. It seemed like every time I went downtown or to City Beach there were always a lot of people out enjoying the great summer weather, and my sense is that many of them were visitors from elsewhere. Sandpoint’s population is always boosted in the summer by the many lakefront and vacation home owners that claim this area as their “home away from home”, and tourism has been steadily increasing in response to all the good press the area has been getting.

Sandpoint Evening (Canadian Selkirk Mountains in Far Right Background)

Recent examples in a long list of “best of” awards are Sandpoint’s designation as the “Most beautiful small town in America” and Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s selection as Ski Magazine editor’s pick as the “Best Kept Secret”. Sandpoint’s charm has not gone unnoticed, especially among our neighbors to the North. The number of Canadian license plates in town has increased significantly in the last few years, and this trend has been a big benefit to local business owners. Canadians have brought a welcome surge in commerce that has helped many businesses stay afloat in tough economic times.

The Pend Oreille River from Sandpoint's Long Bridge

Apparently some Canadians have recognized that there is a lot of value in the local real estate market. North Idaho has experienced a surge in vacation home and investment property purchases by Canadian citizens, with some choosing North Idaho as a place to retire. It’s no secret that property values are low almost everywhere in the U.S., and there are great deals out there for anyone with a bit of liquidity and a positive vision of the future. In Sandpoint, we are lucky to be less than an hour from the Canadian border and a short days drive from Calgary and other population centers in Southern Alberta. Oil and gas exploration has really taken off in Southern Alberta, and the economy there is much better off than in most areas of the United States.

Sunrise over Lake Pend Oreille (from an Owner's Lot on Garfield Bay)

Canadians visiting the US also benefit from lower prices on goods and services here, most notably gasoline and building materials. Currency exchange rates are also favorable for Canadians, though they are down a bit from a historic high in March of 2009. I remember only about 10 years ago the situation was opposite, and shopping trips or vacations to Canada were a great way to get a lot for the American dollar. Southern B.C., Alberta, and the National Parks of the Canadian Rockies are still very popular vacation spots for North Idaho residents, and most vacations I hear about involve outdoor enthusiasts enjoying Canada’s natural treasures and great skiing.

Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park

In Sandpoint, everyone I know is glad to see that our neighbors to the north are frequenting North Idaho and discovering how much this area has to offer. We are finding that they make great neighbors, clients, and friends. When I visit Canada, I never really feel like I am in a different country, and I suspect Canadians feel the same here. To acknowledge our kinship with Canada, Schweitzer Mountain has adopted Whitewater resort near Nelson, B.C. as its Canadian sister, and is offering Whitewater pass holders free skiing if they stay in any of the resort owned accommodations.

Whitewater Resort

Anyone visiting Sandpoint, Canadian or otherwise, is welcome to stop in and see our portfolio of beautiful mountain homes. We speak fluent Canadian, and would love to talk to you about designing your new mountain home.

Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of timber mountain style homes and cabins.  Most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.  If you are interested in a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.

Tom Russell, Architect LEED AP

Click to Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture’s Blog.

1 Comment 

Schweitzer Opens Early

Inland Northwest skiers & snowboarders got an early treat this year when Schweitzer Mountain Resort opened the weekend before Thanksgiving. It is considered to be a good year if they are able to open on Thanksgiving weekend, and that happens roughly 50% of the time. This season was looking kind of weak for early season snow, though it was cold enough that the conditions were good for making snow. Everyone had their fingers crossed, and mother nature delivered some mid November storms that made for excellent early season conditions.

Schweitzer Bowl - The front of the mountain

Opening day at Schweitzer was November 19^th, and even though the terrain was limited the conditions were great. There was even some fresh snow to get everyone excited! Schweitzer closed again during the week, with a promise to reopen the day after Thanksgiving. The big surprise came a few days before Thanksgiving – a two day storm event that dumped several feet of heavy, wet snow and provided excellent coverage on the entire mountain. A few days later temperatures cooled down, 8” of light snow fell, and the day after Thanksgiving looked like a mid-winter powder day. A lot of the front side was open, conditions were excellent, and everyone was smiling!

This Schweitzer fan showed up a few days before opening day to avoid the crowds.

From what I have seen on other ski area websites, we have about the best conditions in the country right now. The Lake Tahoe region (Kirkwood, Squaw Valley and Heavenly Valley) has very little snow, Alta and Telluride are reporting less than a 30” base, and the central Colorado areas of Vail, Aspen, and Summit County are all hurting for snow. Even further north in Sun Valley and Big Sky, snow depths are thin and the ski resorts are barely open.

Closer to Sandpoint, Whitefish Mountain Resort had to cancel plans to open the first week in December due to lack of snow. 49 Degrees North is open and has almost as much snow as Schweitzer. North of the border, Fernie has a decent amount of snow, as do Red Mountain and Schweitzer’s Canadian sister resort of Whitewater. However, only Fernie is open this early in the season and the terrain is limited.

I have been seeing a lot of Canadian license plates in the parking lot at the ski resort, and also in town. The Canadians I have talked to are coming here from Calgary and other cities in Alberta, as well as from Southern British Columbia. It seems that word is getting out up there that Sandpoint in Northern Idaho is a wonderful place and that the skiing is pretty darn good. It probably doesn’t hurt that property is less expensive here, our taxes are lower, and the exchange rate is favorable too, eh. Whatever the reason, we welcome our visitors from Canada and are glad to be close to Southern B.C. so we can visit there as well.

A Schweitzer Skier on Opening Day

If you’re looking for some great early season skiing, come to Sandpoint and check out Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The entire front side (see trail maps – Schweitzer Bowl) is open now, including some excellent tree skiing for which Schweitzer is famous. You’ll find out why Schweitzer was the Ski Magazine editors pick for the best kept secret, but you have to promise not to tell anybody! Hope to see you there, and while you’re in Sandpoint stop by and see our portfolio of beautiful Mountain Homes.

This post was written by an author at Hendricks Architecture who wishes to remain anonymous.  We are mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.  Click to Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture’s Blog.

2 Comments 

Mountain Biking Around Sandpoint

Mountain Biking in and around Sandpoint, Idaho, as described by Tom Russell, project architect at Hendricks Architecture.

I love summers in Sandpoint. The weather is great, the lakes are warm, and the local events calendar is jam packed with enough festivities to keep everybody busy and active. One of my favorite activities in the summer is mountain biking, and I feel lucky to live in a place that has so much great riding. There is a great variety of mountain bike trails here, and a healthy population of mountain bike enthusiasts to enjoy them. A local cycling club/ advocacy group called the Pend Oreille Pedalers is actively building new trails, so the opportunities for great riding keep expanding.  There are lots of trail guides and they are always looking for new members or people to help with trail building.

Lake Pend Oreille from the Monarchs, with Mineral Point in center background

When I go out riding I am always surprised at how uncrowded and well maintained the trails are. If you have ever ridden in places like Moab or Colorado’s front range, you’ll appreciate the quality conditions and solitude that can be found here, even on the most popular rides. I was in Bend , Oregon a few weeks ago and did a ride that was loose, dusty and rutted from overuse. It was a great trail, but I kept thinking how much more enjoyable it would have been if it was in North Idaho.

From the town of Sandpoint, there are several great rides you can do without ever getting in your car. There is a network of high quality single track trails just west of town in the hills between Pine Street and the town of Dover. Known as Syringa Ridge or Sherwood Forest, the trails there are not well documented, and it is a bit of a local’s secret. Efforts are being made to map it, but I haven’t seen anything public yet. When I first moved here , I enjoyed the adventure of finding my way around there without a map and checking out trails I had never been on. I won’t deprive anyone of the same opportunity by giving away too much about it. If you do go exploring in that area, be aware that there is a lot of private land and access is an issue, so please read the signs and obey parking restrictions.

Gold Hill Trail #3

Gold Hill trail #3 is my favorite. It is a thrilling ride with a sustained 3 mile climb, spectacular views, and a smooth, fast descent on the return trip. There is an expanding complex of trails above the gravel quarry on Bottle Bay Road (another local’s secret area) that connects to the Gold Hill trail #3 and offers a variety of alternatives to explore.

Mineral point has some great trails not unlike Gold Hill in quality and scenery, but noticeably easier on the legs and lungs. My favorite ride there is a 10 mile loop that starts and ends at the fabulous Green Bay beach.

One of the views from Mineral Point

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort also has some great biking, both lift served and self-serve. Ambitious pedalers can get to the resort trails by climbing the 9 +/- miles to the ski area on a fun single track trail that is accessed from several of the even numbered switchbacks on the Schweitzer road. My favorite rides at Schweitzer  are cross country ski trails in the winter. For those who like to compete, Schweitzer has a mountain bike race series every Wednesday evening in August.

New Schweitzer Mountain Resort Trail

Priest Lake is about an hour from Sandpoint, and has some great trials on both the upper and lower lake. Spectacular views, lots of berries, and nice beaches with crystal clear water are all highlights of mountain biking around Priest Lake and Upper Priest Lake.

Upper Priest Lake

Faragut State Park between Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene has a lot of mostly moderate mountain bike trails, and it is also a nice place to camp on the lake. It is a good spot for a family outing, especially if cycling is not the only activity you have in mind. One ambitious ride here worth checking out is Bernard Peak.  I think you will agree – the views are well worth the effort.  All About Adventures hosts a mountain bike race series at Faragut every Wednesday in July.

Partial View of the Southern End of Lake Pend Oreille

There a many more great rides in the Sandpoint area, including some big, epic rides in the Cabinet and Selkirk Mountain Ranges. Information on many of these can be found with a quick internet search. There is currently a Falcon guide to mountain biking in the Spokane Coeur d’Alene area that covers some of the Sandpoint area rides. While there is no formal guide to Sandpoint yet, rumor has it a comprehensive guide is in the works.

Tom Russell, LEED AP, Project Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Please feel free to leave a comment or question!

Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.

1 Comment 

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho, as described by Tom Russell, an architect at Hendricks Architecture.

The first weekend in April this year was a real treat for Schweitzer Mountain skiers.  It was the last weekend of the season, the sky was a cloudless deep blue, and there was new snow on the ground.  By the end of the day Sunday, it was 50+ degrees.  I stood on top of the Mountain on Sunday afternoon taking in the views of Lake Pend Oreille and Montana to the east .  “This is why I live here” I thought.  I find myself thinking or saying this an awful lot, and I probably wasn’t the only one at Schweitzer that day who felt lucky to have chosen Sandpoint, Idaho as my home.

The Great Escape Quad at Schweitzer Mountain

It was a busy day at Schweitzer, maybe the busiest of the season, and there were people everywhere enjoying lunch, drinks , live music, the goofy games of “Spring Daze”  or the great skiing .  Despite the record crowds, I hadn’t stood in a lift line all day, and the slopes never seemed crowded.  Schweitzer boasts 2900 acres of terrain, and it takes an awful lot of people to make that feel crowded.  The only thing I would have changed that day was to have my family there to enjoy it with me – they were out of town for spring break.  Schweitzer is a great family mountain, and we see most of our friends there every weekend.

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

Prior to living in Sandpoint, I lived in Colorado and Utah for 20 years.  I tolerated big crowds, gridlock traffic, and expensive lift tickets to indulge my skiing habit.  I knew Sandpoint had Schweitzer Mountain, and we had been there several times in the summer, but I had no idea how great it was until I skied there.  I have been skiing for as long as I can remember, and I have been almost everywhere in the US and Canada.  In all honesty, Schweitzer is near the top of my favorites list.  I continue to be amazed at how un-crowded, affordable, and accessible it is. For quality of ski terrain, I would compare it to Crested Butte in Colorado, Snow Basin in Utah, and Bridger Bowl in Montana.

Schweitzer Village is only about 10 miles from Sandpoint, Idaho, up a steep mountain road. Its relationship to Sandpoint reminds me of Teton Village near Jackson and the Mountain Village at Telluride.  Schweitzer has its own village center, with shops, restaurants, realtor offices, and lodging.  It has everything you need, and there is still plenty of growing room for more businesses and accommodations.  In the summer they have music festivals, mountain biking,  mountain biking  races, Frisbee golf, hiking, and lift service to the top of the mountain.  Many people live there year round, though most residents are part time and seasonal.

Mountain biking is a popular summer activity at Schweitzer.

One of my favorite aspects of the village is there is still room to move – it isn’t densely developed with homes and condos on every postage stamp sized lot.  Schweitzer Land and Timber is planning to build new LEED certified ski in/out timeshare condos in a new open neighborhood right near the base of the new Basin Express Quad.  A few new quality developments with sizable lots, ski in access, and incredible views have been created in the last few years.  If you are interested in ski area property, check out The Spires & The Ridge at Schweitzer.

When I was a youngster learning to ski on the icy little hills of the Northeast (my Vermont friends might take issue with the little part), I dreamed of heading west to the “real mountains”.  I seem to have ended up just where I hoped I would – a place a lot like the little Adirondack town where I came from but on a larger scale.  I love Sandpoint, and Schweitzer is one of the biggest reasons why.  If you are looking for a place to hang your boards and call home, give Schweitzer a try.

Schweitzer Bluegrass Festival

We design mountain homes of all sizes.  If you find yourself falling victim to the charm of Sandpoint and Schweitzer, give us a call.  We would love to help you create your mountain home.

Tom Russell, LEED AP

Hendricks Architecture, Mountain Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

8 Comments 

Clark Fork Career Day

When I was in high school I took a test that would tell me what I could be when I grew up.  When I finished it listed several engineers, a dentist, and a stuntman.  I thought the first two would be too boring, and didn’t think I’d earn enough to support my future lavish lifestyle.  So I decided to become a screen writer.  After failed attempts to make it into USC’s film school, I decided to be an architect, my next favorite choice.  I used to love looking at plans when I was a kid, and I did pretty well in art, drafting and math.

Fast forward twenty-five years.  Recently, I was asked to participate with several others in Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School’s Career Day.   Four speakers were placed in each classroom, and we were each given ten minutes to speak to three different classes.  My group consisted of  a cinematographer, a teacher, and a computer programmer.

I decided to go last since I brought way too much stuff and wanted to make sure I didn’t run into the others’ times.  The cinematographer, Eric Daarstad, is a very interesting guy.  He’s semi-retired now, but has filmed several documentaries and some movies.  He’s worked with such artists as John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Natalie Wood, and several others I recognized but left the kids with lost looks.  One girl asked if he worked with any young people.  The teacher asked, “Were you expecting Zac Efron?”  This brought swoons from the girls.

Melissa Mehwinney, the computer programmer also gave an interesting talk.  She was fresh out of college and the students were all excited that she was already earning twice as much as her sister, who was the teacher of the class.  Big sister was a great sport about it.   One of the students asked, “Yea, but how much can computer scientists really make?”  Melissa replied, “Have you ever heard of Bill Gates?”

The presenting teacher, Brenda Haase, kept everyone enthralled as that seemed to be the most popular occupation.

When it came my turn, I talked about the education you need to become an architect.  Then I explained the process I go through with every homeowner.  I sit and talk with them at my office or their home about their dream home, and we look at the site.  Then I take what we discussed and sketch solutions.  These sketches turn into computer drawings, then a set of detailed drawings, and eventually a home they can enjoy.  One interested student stayed after class and showed me his artwork, including some pretty cool dragons.

All in all, in was a great time.  I would definitely recommend it to anybody who is asked to participate in Career Day.  The students really make it a lot of fun, and you’re also able to meet some other interesting people in your community.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture

To Subscribe to this blog please click here, or click on link at lower right.

Weblogs Directory

2 Comments 

Mountain Home Taking Shape On Lake Pend Oreille

A new Hendricks Architecture designed waterfront home on Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint, Idaho is taking shape.  This steep site originally consisted of a tear down home with three separate garage structures.  The new rocky mountain style home will have roughly 3,000 square feet over two levels.  It will tie into one of the existing garages, which will all have new stained cedar siding and cedar carriage house doors.  The Contractors are a collaboration of Dan Fogarty of Sandpoint and Denman Construction of Whitefish, Montana.

The home has a cupola over the Great Room which will bring in additional light.  Large cedar decks will have great views of  the lake, as well as the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, and a private beach below.  Natural stone will cover the concrete piers which buttress the decks.

Water View of Lakefront Home under Construction

For finished photos of this home, please see Lakefront Cabin on our Project Page.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, Mountain Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.

16 Comments 

How NOT To Roof A House

There are many ways to effectively prevent water infiltration in roofs.  This one is fairly effective, though there are more desirable and cost friendly ways.

Mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.

4 Comments 

Is This A Good Time To Build?

It seems that all you hear these days is bad news about the economy. While it is definitely a tough business climate right now, there are also opportunities to take advantage of bargains, especially in the housing sector. If you have been considering building, this is an excellent time to get the most for your money by seizing opportunities that present themselves in a down economy.

Real Estate Prices Are Low:

There are plenty of great mountain and lakefront properties available now, and prices are more reasonable then they have been in the recent past. Existing home prices are also down, so it may make sense to buy an undervalued home in a great location and have us help you transform it into your dream home.

Contractors Are Competing For Projects:

Because of the slowdown in building, contractors are forced to be more competitive to win projects. This means you are likely to get the best value for your construction dollar, and you may be able to get that contractor who is normally booked for years in advance.

Building Costs Are Low:

Because of increased competition between material suppliers and a surplus in materials, now is a good time to get building supplies at good prices. Gas prices are currently as low as they have been in years, so delivery and excavation costs are a bargain compared to a year ago.

Now Is A Good Time To Start Design:

If you are considering doing a remodel or building a new home next spring or summer, now is the time to get the design process started. It is a good time to build, and we would love to talk to you about the great opportunities available today.

Consider Remodeling:

If current economic conditions are preventing you from building now, it might make sense to improve your current home to increase its resale value or help it sell quicker. We can help you make your home stand out from the rest.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect, NCARB

Tom Russell, Project Manager, LEED AP

Hendricks Architecture, Mountain Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

2 Comments 

Coeur d’Alene Contractors

As an architect, one of the most important aspects of my job is lining up homeowners with the right general contractor.  Each project is different, so finding the right fit will vary.  There are roughly 200 builders listed in the Coeur d’Alene area, but only a certain number that I would feel comfortable recommending at such high end neighborhoods as Black Rock and Gozzer Ranch.  Following are builders in Coeur d’Alene who I believe have the capability to do a good job on a mountain home with the right plans.  Some are better quality than others, and there are some I would only recommend on certain projects, depending on an owner’s desired quality, style, type of construction, scope and budget.

If you want more information on these contractors, or want to know who might be a good fit for your project, please feel free to contact me.  I am including their contact information and any websites if you would rather contact them directly.

Campbell & Campbell (208) 660-5416

Edwards Smith Construction (formerly Edwards Construction) (208) 765-8602

Gunder Homes (208) 667-7398

Idaho Builders (208) 691-7500

M.B. Builders (208) 772-2799

Sierra Builders (208) 667-0584

Stewart Construction (208) 772-8366

There may still be some diamonds in the rough that I’m not familiar with.  If there is a contractor out there who feels you should be included on this list, please contact me and show me projects you’ve completed and are currently working on, along with references.

John Hendricks, AIA, NCARB

Hendricks Architecture

Leave a Comment 

Sandpoint Contractors

As an architect, one of the most important aspects of my job is lining up homeowners with the right general contractor.  Each project is different, so finding the right fit will vary.  There are currently 65+ builders listed in the Sandpoint area, a hot bed for mountain home construction.  Following are builders in Sandpoint who I believe have the minimum standards to do a decent job on a mountain home with the right plans.  Some are better quality than others, and there are some I would only recommend on certain projects, depending on an owner’s desired quality, style, type of construction, scope and budget.  I would also only recommend certain ones for building at Schweitzer Ski Resort, with it’s more rugged climate.

If you want more information on these contractors, or want to know who might be a good fit for your project, please feel free to contact me.  I am including their contact information and any websites if you would rather contact them directly.

Baker Construction (208) 263-9550

R.W. Bianco Construction (208) 263-5794

Colin Construction (208) 263-6276

DSS Custom Homes (208) 263-2853

Dan Fogerty Custom Builder (208) 263-5546

Henry & Sons (208) 263-5778

Hope Builders (208) 264-5125

Legacy Construction (208) 266-1622

McMahon & Easterbrook (208) 264-6700

Mountain View Construction (208)263-1058

Pacific Construction Company (208) 264-5564

Pucci Construction (208) 263-7424

Rotert Construction (208) 255-2151

Sandpoint Builders (208) 263-7315

Selle Valley Construction (208) 263-1808

Frank Wakeley Construction (208) 263-0952

Dvonne Yoder (208) 255-6696

My apologies as there can be diamonds in the rough who I’m not familiar with.  If there is a contractor out there who feels you should be included on this list, please let me know.  I would love to see projects you’ve completed and are currently working on.

John Hendricks, AIA, NCARB

Hendricks Architecture, Mountain Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

Leave a Comment 

Next Page →

John Hendricks, AIA Architect • Architecture, Planning, Construction Management
418 Pine St, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 • T 208.265.4001 F 208-265-4009 • john@hendricksarch.com