Skin clinic adds to growth in Coupeville’s south side

A new park-and-ride lot isn’t the only thing popping up on South Main Street in Coupeville. Work crews are busy constructing two buildings that will be adjacent to the new lot located across the street from Coupeville Elementary School.

By Nathan Whalen • September 29, 2009 4:12 pm

A new park-and-ride lot isn’t the only thing popping up on South Main Street in Coupeville.

Work crews are busy constructing two buildings that will be adjacent to the new lot located across the street from Coupeville Elementary School.

The two buildings will eventually house a dermatology office and a medical spa. Both buildings will be operated by Dr. Russ Johnson.

Rob Sebo of RSDT Development said the progress on the two buildings is going well and should be complete in six months. Having medical offices occupy the new buildings is advantageous to the owner, he said, because doctor’s tend to stay in one location for a long time.

The buildings should add some much-needed space for businesses in the historic town.

“There’s not a lot of commercial space I’m seeing for rent,” Sebo said, adding the space that is available doesn’t often meet the needs of businesses.

Sharon Hart, director for the Economic Development Council, said the vacancy rate for commercial space is around 2 percent while a 5 percent vacancy rate is considered healthy.

She said downtown Coupeville has recently seen several new businesses appear in recent months. Tea and Treasures, the Mosquito Fleet Galley and the Central Whidbey Chamber of Commerce have all recently taken up space in Front Street storefronts.

If the vacancy rate in the town falls too low, then it’s difficult for new businesses to move into town.

While the new medical office and spa will add approximately 8,000 square feet of space, plans to build additional buildings are currently on hold.

Sebo said he doesn’t plan to put up more buildings until he finds another tenant. He can build up to an additional 9,000 square feet of space on the property; that could be done either as two buildings or one larger building.

While work continues on the buildings, construction of Island Transit’s adjacent park-and-ride lot hasn’t started yet. Construction won’t begin until the entrance is paved, which Sebo said should be complete by the end of the month.

Island Transit is planning to install a 53-space lot. Until that is complete, commuters will park at the former bowling alley parking lot located on Terry Road.