Council consents to University of Idaho sublease to Coeur d'Alene Tribe at Harbor Center

The Coeur d'Alene City Council voted to consent to a sublease allowing the Coeur d'Alene Tribe to occupy the First Floor, South Wing of the Harbor Center. The sublease term presented to council runs from Aug. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, coinciding with the University of Idaho’s master lease term with the city.

City staff explained the master lease between the city and the university includes a clause prohibiting assignment or subletting without the landlord’s written approval but that approval “shall not be withheld unreasonably.” Randy and staff told council they were not aware of any current city need for the space vacated by Lewis-Clark State College and described the sublease as consistent with longstanding goodwill between the city, the university and the tribe.

Council discussion focused on whether the city should undertake a review of its facility needs before consenting; several members suggested staff should nonetheless report back if conditions change. Councilmember Christine (surname not specified) asked that staff do a periodic check to ensure the city’s needs remain unchanged during the sublease term; staff noted the master lease runs through 2028 and any longer-term changes could be addressed at that time.

Vote: Council approved the resolution consenting to the sublease (recorded roll call indicated at least the councilmembers present voted in favor). The motion was moved and seconded and the council recorded affirmative votes from Gabriel, English, Wood, Miller and others in favor during the roll call.

What’s next: The tribe will occupy the space under the university’s sublease terms; staff will monitor city facility needs and report if city space requirements change ahead of the end of the master lease in 2028.