The Coeur d’Alene Aerie #486 was founded on October 1st, 1903. This was only 14 years after the Grand Aerie was founded in 1898. The Coeur d’Alene Aerie was the 486th Aerie chartered by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. From 1903 to 1939 the Coeur d’Alene Eagles leased rooms throughout the downtown to hold meetings, conduct business, and establish the bonds of brotherhood. The Coeur d’Alene Eagles has been within a 4-block radius of its current location since its founding. 

In 1939, the Coeur d’Alene Eagles leased rooms on the second floor of the Otterson Building at 209 E. Sherman, the current location of the Aerie. At the time the second floor was split up into several offices and the main level was split into two separate suites, 209 & 211 Sherman Ave. The basement was storage and mechanical spaces. Originally the main floor was leased by Winn, Barr, Chainey, and Carlson who used the main floor for a general mercantile business. During this period a grocery store occupied the west half of the main floor and a dry goods and furnishing department occupied the east half. 

In the 1920’s, the mercantile closed and the main floor was taken over by the Four L social club on the west half and Lakeside Furniture on the east half of the main floor.

In 1939 the Coeur d’Alene Eagles leases spaces in the Otterson Building. Around 1947, the Coeur d’Alene Eagles buys the Otterson Building with plans on creating a permanent home for the Aerie. At the time we took over the Four L-Social Club and several offices on the second floor. In 1948, the Aerie made plans to renovate the structure. This renovation included an addition to north side of the building along the Alley and renovations of all three floors of the structure. This renovation included a new commercial kitchen in the basement, updated facade, remodel of the social room, and the creation of the ballroom. This renovation ended up costing the Aerie $170,000.00, which equals $2,023,785 in 2022. The Coeur d’Alene Eagles has occupied this space ever since.

In the late 1990’s and early 2000s, the Coeur d’Alene Aerie purchased a property along 15th Street near Cherry Hill. At the time the Aerie was considering selling the 209 E. Sherman Ave Building to relocate to a new facility that was going to be built on the property. At the time the Sherman Building was aging and in need of several repairs. The trend of Aeries of the time was to not renovate the historic buildings but create new buildings. This was a popular choice because of the ability to create more parking, better access, more amenities, and potential other sources of revenue. With membership at the time dwindling the leaders knew they needed to make decision. Do we stay or do we go. This decision was not shared by all of the members at the time. The Aerie was divided, some members wanted to stay and renovate while others wanted to build a new facility and move.  The current leadership of the time brought the decision to a vote. In 2006, the Aerie voted to renovate the building or build a new facility. The Aerie decided to stay and renovate.

The Coeur d’Alene Aerie hired local architectural firm Miller Stauffer Architects to design a new layout for the main level of the building and make modifications to the other levels. This new layout made a major shift to the layout of the Aerie. Originally, the bar was located at the rear of the building near where the bathrooms currently sit and at the front of the building was the secretary offices. Miller Stauffer Architects proposed moving the bar to the front and opening the front facade to the street. Creating a strong connection to public and creating a patio along the sidewalk edge that members could enjoy during the summer months. The remodel included new bathrooms, an addition of an elevator, new sprinkler system on the main floor, and upgrades to the water service to the building. The renovation was completed in 2008 by Ginno Construction.

Since the remodel in 2008, the Aerie has seen a steady increase in membership. The Aerie has received several membership awards due to this increase in membership and has become one of the five largest Fraternal Order of Eagles Aeries. This wasn’t only because of the remodel this was because of the hard work, dedication, of forethought the members had for their Aerie. It has taken the dedication of these members to make the Coeur d’Alene Eagles who they are today.

In 2023, the Coeur d’Alene Eagles set a new milestone for the Aerie. In June of 2023, Laura Sutherland became the first female president in the 120-year history of the Aerie. This wasn’t what Laura set out to do. She just wanted to serve her Aerie that has given so much back to her.

The Coeur d’Alene Eagles has storied 120-year history of brotherhood, friendship, and dedication back to our community. Aerie #486 gives back thousands of dollars every year to our local community. We support other nonprofit organizations through donations and fundraising. We are people helping people and we are always looking for people that want to help their community and give back. If you are a person of good moral character, a person that wants to help others, and wants to help write a 120 more years of history. Join the Coeur d’Alene Eagles Aerie #486 today, become the future!