By JAMES EIK
Staff Reporter
Finding a place to park near the Spokane International Airport just became a bit easier.
Adverse weather conditions and contractor issues delayed the opening of Parking Express far beyond its original estimate of August last year. This week, however, owner Juan Contreras's business will officially begin serving vehicles after originally starting the project last June.
Initially planning to use the land for high density residential apartment buildings, the project was scrapped after running into the airport's future plans and the West Plains building moratorium. The service Contreras provides adds some competition to other outdoor parking services in the area, namely the airport and Diamond Park ‘n Jet.
“We're going to try and be a little different than they are by providing a little bit of a faster service,” Contreras said.
Parking Express's location, exactly two miles from the airport, provides a near perfect setting for travelers on extended visits.
The business is run by Contreras and his wife, Amparo. When the parking lot is up and running, six to seven full time employees will help staff the lot.
“We also have plans on growing the operation,” Contreras said. “Once we get to the point where we're filling up our lot, we have room to grow.”
Expanding the business will depend on the level of activity they see in the summer months. Another two acres behind the current parking lot will house future expansion.
“Most of the prep work is done. If we need the space, it's just a matter or laying down some more asphalt,” Contreras said.
Although the business is only getting started, future plans are already in the works. In addition to adding more parking spaces, Parking Express will feature covered parking and its Express Valet Service.
The new option provides customers who may be running late with an even faster service. After the vehicle is parked by a Parking Express staff member, a private cab will transport the customer to the airport.
Contreras, originally from California, enjoyed his visit to the Spokane area some years ago. In 2003, he purchased his first investment property. Since that time, he has been commuting between Spokane and California, where his family continues to live. He noted that it hasn't been an easy situation for his family.
“Although it's been a big strain, it's also helped us keep going, not relying on a single source of income,” Contreras said. “I don't know where we'd be today.”
Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Contreras immediately noticed the openness peace and quiet of the Spokane area.
With a background in telecommunications, Contreras has been self-employed for the last 15 years. In addition to Parking Express, he also owns Geiger Arms, an apartment complex next to the parking lot.
Funding for the parking lot came through selling a property in North Spokane and also, as Contreras calls it, the “bank of Dad.”
It will truly be a family operation at Parking Express. In addition to Contreras's wife, his two daughters will help staff the business.
James Eik can be reached at [email protected].
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