Construction is wrapping up on a single-story medical office building with a project value of $1.5 million in the Riverstone Development in northwest Coeur d’Alene, says Dr. Wayne Ellenbecker, an optometrist.

Ellenbecker and his wife, Dr. Cindy Ellenbecker, also an optometrist, own the project through real estate holding company E Five Enterprises LLC, says Wayne Ellenbecker.

The couple’s practice, Ellenbecker Eye Clinic PLLC, will occupy all 4,000 square feet of that building, he says.

The eye clinic is expected to move into the new space at 2020 W. Riverstone Drive on July 1, he says. Currently, the practice occupies 3,200 square feet in an adjacent multitenant building, at 2140 W. Riverstone Drive.

The new clinic will include exam rooms and an eyeglass dispensary, Ellenbecker says. 

The building’s layout is designed to be more efficient for patient care than the clinic’s current office, he says.

Construction began around the beginning of December, he says. Edwards-Smith Construction LLC, of Coeur d’Alene, is the contractor on the project, and Architects West Inc., of Coeur d’Alene, designed it.

Ellenbecker says the company is building a new facility for a few reasons.

“It was time to take the next step and be our own building owners, be autonomous, and not be renting from someone else,” he says.

Owning their own building could also be more financially beneficial in the long run, he says, particularly when he looks to retire.

Ellenbecker Eye Clinic offers primary eye care, including routine eye exams, glasses and contact lens services, treatment for dry eyes, and other nonsurgical services. In addition to the Ellenbeckers, the practice has five full-time employees and one part-time worker.