Photo By Kiersten Patterson Photography

Chances are, if you live in Sandpoint or have visited at least once, you’ve made your way over to what is now termed the Granary Arts District, sandwiched between Church and Oak streets just west of the downtown core. On any given weekend morning (and weekdays for that matter), you’ll find locals and visitors lined up to get their favorite coffee from Evans Brothers, while Matchwood Brewing, Murphy’s and Charles Mortensen’s Syringa Cyclery are other popular hot spots scattered around the district.

But this area has more to its story than coffee and beer. The now popular social district was once the old Co-Op Gas & Supply Company, constructed in 1934. The old grain elevator that once ground grain for many local farmers still stands tall presiding over the area.

In 1999, Steve Holt and John Edwards purchased the property, transforming the area into a now bustling art, business and social district with an identity all its own.