Opticare is now open for appointments and business in a familiar Crookston building.
Opticare made the move from their location at 107 East 2nd Street and took over the building at 509 North Main Street, which used to be occupied by Hardees and Arby’s.
Co-owner Dr. Destin Coles and his two sons took on the renovations and construction of the new building. “We came in and did a lot of demolition work and got it down to the bare studs,” said Coles. “This was a year-long process. We started in early October 2022 and finished almost to our open date in October of this year. There were a lot of late evenings and weekends that went into it, but it was fun.”
Coles also explained he and his two sons were able to formulate a plan with the draftsmen at Northern Lumber, and they also used the architectural layout and schemes of their office building in East Grand Forks.
One of the difficult portions of the construction process was the installation of new pipes and plumbing. “When we were doing plumbing, we noticed that the cast iron was starting to thin out underneath the building,” said Coles, “We ended up taking a jackhammer and taking it the length of the building and then going about three feet underground in order to get better piping for the building. So we had mounds (and mounds) of dirt built up along with the walls we had already put in, so those were some long days.”
Coles and business partners considered buying the property for five years before finally purchasing. They believed it was in too good of a location to pass up.
“So it started as a Hardees in the late 70s and at some point transitioned into an Arby’s,” said Coles, “It sat around for four to five years before we decided to come in and buy it. It’s a good location like this, and it’s too nice of a building just to sit empty. We think it’s awesome that someone’s finally in here and can serve the community.”
Opticare in Crookston started accepting appointments and clients on October 2 this year. Coles and staff members of Opticare believe the building has been a great working environment, with state-of-the-art equipment and natural sunlight peeking through the building.
“So far, the flow of the building has been great, and patients have been giving positive feedback,” said Coles, “It’s nice and bright in here, with the building being filled with sunlight. Staff are happy to have bright light in the building and nice views. It feels like home and a great place to practice Optometry.”
Since October 2 this year, community members could only enter Opticare by appointment. Starting on Monday, November 6, Opticare will have its grand opening, which will combine with its anniversary sale until Friday, November 17, when community members are welcome to stop by and take a look at the new facility.
During the grand opening, refreshments will be provided, and there will be a bingo wheel attendees can spin to win a sale of prescription glasses in the building.
Opticare in Crookston is located at 509 North Main Street. To schedule an appointment, call 218-281-6440.
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