EDITOR'S NOTE I: Top photo shows the official ribbon cutting ceremony that was held today for Main Street's newest business, the WVU Medicine Home Medical Equipment Supply Store that opened earlier this year. Officials from the various groups listed in the original story that ran on Connect-Bridgeport on April 15 (shown below) were on hand with other local dignitaries. Click HERE for the release on today's ribbon-cutting event that ran Saturday. 

 

In the past year, two of the newest buildings on Main Street became vacant. Recently, it was discussed about the future of the former Embellishments Too building.

 

While the new owners of that structure hope to have a decision on what will be going into place at that location soon, the former Best Care Pharmacy Building not only has a new owner – it also has a new business. And it is expected to open May 1.

 

The former 2,500 square foot pharmacy structure will be the new home of West Virginia University Home Medicine Equipment, under the auspices of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. St. Joseph’s is owned by United Hospital Center, which falls under the WVU Health Systems umbrella. An explanation of that breakdown later.

 

“The business will off durable medical equipment and items from walkers, wheelchairs, home oxygen, beds or anything else that typically may rent medical wise,” said Geoff Marshall, UHC Vic President of Support Services. “Here, you will able to do rentals and purchases.”

 

For those that may not have noticed the change from Best Care to the new sign, it’s because it’s been a relatively quick process. Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman said UHC recently acquired the building permit for the project. The cost of the permit, which was acquired March 17, tells you why things have taken place quickly since the business decision was made.

 

“The cost of the permit was only for $1,000,” said Spellman. “They basically needed to build one half of a wall. They took the building pretty much as is.”

 

The contractor for the work was Schlicker Construction.

 

“For our purposes there really wasn’t much to do because It was basically already laid out for retail space,” said Marshall. “Add to that the location is highly visible and has a great traffic count we feel we have a good site for this.”

So how does the sign tout WVU and St. Joseph’s if the building permit is through UHC?

 

“The way home medical equipment is licensed in West Virginia for sell is a regulated and St. Joseph’s actually has a license that can used statewide where many of those license only allow you to sell in one or two counties,” said Marshall. “They have a coveted license that will allow us to start a business in Bridgeport and one we hope to expand to multiple counties in the region.”

 

Spellman said the new arrival helps ease the sting of losing Best Care.

 

“We really hated to see a pharmacy leave the Main Street corridor, but very happy to see a new tenant and owner almost immediately,” said Spellman. “I think this shows that Main Street is still able to attract businesses and are still looking to come here.”

 

Best Care closed its doors Jan. 7 after opening on Dec. 10 of 2010.

 

James Cava, who was from the Management Group that owned the Best Care building, could not be reached for comment.

 

Editor's Note II: Photo below the ribbon-cutting photo shows the new business, while Community Development Director Randy Spellman is shown in a file photo below reviewing plans.