Yost Gallagher Construction LLC, of Spokane, has been awarded a $1.5 million contract to construct a new retail building a 513 E. Hastings Road, just east of the Wandermere Shopping Center.

Yost Gallagher project manager Daniel Jones says the company broke ground on the project last month. It will involve constructing a single-story, 10,500-square-foot retail building with a total of five retail suites.

“Two of those suites will be occupied by Optic One Eye Care, while the remaining three will be available for lease,” he says.

Jones says the building was designed by Spokane-based Russell C. Page Architects PS, of Spokane, with some additional design being completed by Design Source Inc., of Spokane Valley.

He says the building has been designed to include at least one potential restaurant suite with a patio area for outdoor dining.

The project owner and developer is 513 E Hastings LLC, which is owned by Dr. Melvin Lindauer and his wife, Carolyn. Lindauer is president of Optic One Eye Care Centers PC, of Spokane, which has operated its Wandermere office for 21 years.

He says Optic One Eye Care has a second office at 1720 N. Hamilton, near Gonzaga University. It currently employs two doctors and 12 support employees between its two Spokane locations. 

In April, the former Optic One building along Hastings Road was demolished to make way for the new project, and staff at the location were temporarily moved to the business’s Hamilton offices. 

Lindauer says the new eye care clinic will occupy 5,000 square feet, or about half of the new structure. 

He says plans for the project have been in the works for several years, though the scope and design has evolved over time.

“The Wandermere area is growing rapidly, with many new residences added in recent years,” he says. “The need for additional service and retail businesses to support those new families moving into the area is significant.”

Lindauer says the Hamilton Street clinic will continue to serve Optic One’s patients and customers in that area, and the new clinic will have extended hours and an optometric physician on site full time.

“Optic One is recruiting for a third doctor, and we anticipate adding more optical sales and support staff,” says Lindauer. “We are hiring at this time.”

He says the project, which likely will be completed this fall, will have a final estimated value of about $2.8 million.