Midwest Family Eye Center moving to Excelsior Road

Midwest Family Eye Center is behind recent activity along Excelsior Road across from Super One in Baxter.

Bercher Design and Construction expects to complete the 3,000 square-foot building in the summer of 2005. Jackie McCall, doctor of optometry and Midwest Family Eye Center president, said the building will provide greater visibility, easy access and more space.

"We've grown very fast in the last five years," McCall said. The additional room will allow the eye center to have updated equipment and newer technology. The building is being designed to handle future growth with three exam rooms.

"We had no idea we were going to grow as fast as we did here so we are just planning for the future," McCall said.

Anna Malikowski, doctor of optometry, works with McCall part time in the eye center's office in Staples and the current offices on Design Drive in Baxter.

The eye center provides optical services, eyewear, treatment of eye infections, injuries and glaucoma, Lasik and cataract consultations and contact lenses. McCall said the additional space will give the eye center room for one of the newest technologies, a laser for early glaucoma detection and management.

With vision in mind, the building is being designed to offer architectural diversity along the growing business area bordering Excelsior Road.

"We didn't want every building to look the same," McCall said.

Brent Gunsbury, Bercher Design and Construction vice president, said in a news release the building is designed around efficient display space, comfortable exam rooms and room for records.

"The exterior design is a reflection of what to expect once you walk inside," Alex Hering, Bercher's designer for the eye center, said in a news release. "The front entry, which is set at an angle to Excelsior Road, combines glass and steel with stone columns. The building itself will integrate the timeless look of stucco with wide accent bands. Also, we oriented the building to avoid Excelsior's trend toward one long strip mall."

McCall started her optometry practice in the Brainerd lakes area 18 years ago. She has a staff of six. She said setting up her business in Baxter has been a good choice and now the move to Excelsior Road will offer greater visibility, as well as convenience as people travel for groceries or retail shopping.

RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.