First Western Properties, the managing agent for the old Joe’s Sporting Goods store in the Town and Country Shopping Center on Northwest Gilman Boulevard, told The Reporter last Friday afternoon that Sports Authority, a sporting goods retail outlet, had signed a long term lease on the 42,000-square foot building.

The Joe’s store was one of the anchor tenants of the center, prior to the company’s demise early last year, and their departure left a large hole to fill.

The announcement of the Sports Authority deal will be welcome news to the surrounding businesses, as well as local shoppers, the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, and the city, which relies heavily on sales tax revenue.

First Western’s Doug Brown said Sports Authority had signed a “long term lease, with options,” but was not at liberty to discuss how long the lease was or at what rate it was signed.

In June of last year, when First Western was in negotiations with several large retailers for the site, First Western told The Reporter that the asking price was $15 per square foot, lower than in previous years given the poor state of the economy and the fact that retail businesses were loathe to expand.

“It probably has come down a little bit in price,” First Western’s Eric Bissell said at the time. “But Eastside box stores are still in demand. They are not doing as badly as some other commercial properties.”

Brown estimated it would take Sports Authority about three months to get the store ready, and could open sometime around the beginning of May.

Sports Authority, Inc. has its headquarters in Englewood, Colo., and operates over 450 stores in 45 U.S. states.

Issaquah Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Bott said last week he was thrilled to learn that Sports Authority will be coming to Issaquah.

“The new store will provide the community with additional shopping options, new jobs, and will further support our economic vitality,” he said. “As a ‘base camp’ for families and individuals who enjoy the outstanding youth and adult sports, and Pacific Northwest recreation located right outside our front doors, Issaquah is proud to welcome this great company to our community.”

Sports Authority did not return The Reporter’s request for a comment on when they hoped to open, or any details about their plans for the store.