A Richland dermatologist is constructing a $6.1 million building

alongside his current practice on Fowler Street.

Dr. Sidney Smith practices at DermaCare of Tri-Cities and DermaHealth Dermatology & Dermasurgery at 1305 Fowler St., a clinic visible from Highway 240.

Construction is underway at the empty lot next door at 1295 Fowler

St.

A permit issued by the city of Richland indicates the building

will be for multiple professional tenants with a medical office and attached

café.

W McKay Construction of Kennewick began construction in June.

Those familiar with the project said the end result will include a

relocation of the current dermatology and medical spa practice to the new

building, with different tenants occupying the current site at 1305 Fowler St.

Smith did not return calls for comment.

DermaCare of Tri-Cities opened on Pittsburgh Street in 2007 and

then moved to Gage Boulevard in 2009.

In 2011, Smith bought a 2.5-acre lot on Fowler and announced plans

to build a 25,000-square-foot, two-story medical office building.

The new building will be 50 feet tall and include 30,000 square

feet of space and a parking lot for 200 cars.

The project is being financed by Gesa Credit Union and the

building’s owner is Familia Smith LLC, the same company which owns the

building, valued at $9.8 million, where Smith currently practices just east of

the site, in the Richland Wye neighborhood.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held July 2018 at the new site.

DermaCare of Tri-Cities and DermaHealth Dermatology &

Dermasurgery are holding a customer appreciation event from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

July 19, which includes free skin cancer screenings.