By Meg Peters
Review Staff Writer
Dr. Brad Greenfield always wanted to build his own practice literally from the ground up.
So as soon as the dentist saw the Arby’s across the street go up for sale in April 2012, he bought it.
Greenfield, owner of Lake Orion Family Dentistry, will build his dentist office as soon as the vacant Arby’s building at 1320 S. Lapeer Rd. is knocked down in the next couple days, Greenfield said, when the weather warms.
Since it’s right across the road from his practice in the Bald Mountain Medical Center, his patients will be able to easily find his new location.
‘We have a rapidly growing practice right now, I wanted more exposure, I wanted to be right on the road,? Greenfield said, who is very excited for the road access.
He has been working with Orion Township since the spring of 2013 to prepare the building design. Orion Township officials scheduled a ground-breaking ceremony for Greenfield and his family on Friday, March 28.
By late fall, Lake Orion Family Dentistry patients will go across the street for their appointments to a new building equipped with nine dentist chairs, easier parking services and with proximity to other medical businesses in the future.
Greenfield’s new practice will be roughly 5,000 square feet, and because the property is large enough, the dentist has plans for a second building behind his practice. He intends to prepare a site for the future building in order to add other medical associates that would complement his dentist office.
Greenfield, from Independence Township, wouldn’t mind?’finding a chiropractor or dermatologist, someone who really invests in the community, he said. Perhaps someone who wants to be here a long time like him.
‘It’s my first time I’ve ever done anything like this. It’s almost a $2 million investment, so I’m really nervous,? he said. ‘But the cool thing is, by the time I get this place open, it will be almost the 50th’year anniversary of Lake Orion Family Dentistry being in this community,? Greenfield said.
He wants to expand the practice, expand the hours, and add more employees.
Greenfield has been practicing dentistry for 15 years, obtained his dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1999 after acquiring a bachelor of science at Oakland University. He purchased Lake Orion Family Dentistry in 2010.??
The first practice was opened in 1965, Greenfield said, and has gone through a couple different owners. He purchased the practice from Dr. Keith Allain who passed away in 2008.
‘He was a very progressive doctor and trained his team members who are just incredible, well versed in everything, so it was a natural transition for me,? Greenfield said.
Nearly all of the original staff from Dr. Allain still work at Greenfield’s office.