Billings Business Construction Zone

Sunday, November 19, 2017 | D13

Billings Gazette

special advertising section

Vision Optical Seeing intO the future TARA CADY tcady@billingsgazette.com

Vision Optical’s new location at 1701 Grand Ave. has angel wings painted on the building’s exterior, with a new logo and pink eyeglasses displayed overhead.

Having moved four blocks west, Vision Optical remains a fixture on Grand Avenue.

The doctor’s office, eyeglass lab and retailer relocated to 1701 Grand Ave., and features new technology, a new optometrist and a contemporary rustic look.

With nearly 500 more square feet, the 2400-square-foot space accommodates double the inventory, exam rooms and optometrists.

And because the business’s parking lot doesn’t exit onto the busy 24th St. W. and Grand Ave. intersection anymore, pulling up for an appointment has never been easier.

See VISION, page D15

Owner Destiny Zielie took the business’s rebranding into her own hands, designing and constructing many of the elements inside the new office.

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D14 | Sunday, November 19, 2017

Billings Gazette

special advertising section

It’s not hard to see the drastic difference a few blocks can make for a business.

Vision Optical more than relocated, it rebranded.

Owner Destiny Zielie has been with the business for 23 years. The optician took ownership 16 years ago. She credits the business outgrowing its retail portion as inspiration to make a change.

Zielie reached out to the new building’s owners, Kim and Doug McRae, for leads on contractors. She trusted their recommendation of Kisling Quality Builders and began working with them in May. A tight construction timeline afforded Vision Optical to open Sept. 11 at the 1701 Grand Ave. location.

“From the day (Zielie) first came to us to move-in date, we were able to have the project completed in about two-and-ahalf months.” said project manager, Cody Kisling. “None of this would have been possible without everyone working as a team and cooperating with each other.”

An eye for design

Zielie did not hire an interior designer; she took the job on herself.

She and a friend first went to Denver for ideas. They came back with futuristic light fixtures, something you would see in a science fiction film.

The hanging balls of white transform at the pull of a string into an intricate geometric design. Its copper interior reflects light; the fixture’s colors were used in other decorative features.

“Destiny did a great job picking out the interior colors and the different parts of each room,” Kisling said.

The business owner-turned-decorator then built metal eyeglass displays with brass shelving and gray walls. And she built a large, white reception desk.

Edison bulbs hang over the desk, which is intended for gatherings not typical of your average eye doctor’s office. Vision Optical plays host to Botox parties, trunk shows, and is a Younique makeup retailer.

Selling other fashion pieces like hats is in the works.

“We’re going to be a little bit of a niche,” Zielie said.

With the goal of giving customers a shopping experience, a wine cooler and mini fridge were built inside a beverage bar. Clients can enjoy refreshments while they shop for new eyeglasses.

Geometric candle holders and fresh flowers decorate each consultation table in the lobby. White chairs offset the charcoal walls and wooden tables.

Exam rooms have accent walls; one has zebra print and the other resembles studded fabric. With one more exam room than the previous location, Vision Optical has the possibility of hiring a second optometrist.

WAit And see

Dr. Jenny Kim joins the staff in December, bringing with her a personality that aligns with existing employees and extended Saturday hours for added convenience.

Kim has updated technology to work with; the business’s new digital phoropter ensures an accurate vision assessment. Instead of wondering whether “one” or “two” was better, the machine reassures clients which choice is correct.

With all of these changes, Vision Optical needed a sign that they were headed on the right track, so optician Nancy Cozzens suggested a painting on an exterior wall.

They hired Karyn Mehus to paint angel wings to the left of the entrance.

“Moves aren’t easy, but we’re optimistic. It was reassurance that everything was going to be fine and someone’s looking over us,” said Cozzens of the painting.

Customers are encouraged to take a photo in front of the wings in their new glasses and tag the business on social media.

“I’m excited for my future and my employees’ future. I feel proud of the location, too,” Zielie said. “It feels good to go to work.”

See VISION, page D16

The lobby’s design was inspired by futuristic light fixtures. Charcoal, white, wood and metal create a contemporary rustic interior.

An additional 500 square feet of space allowed Vision Optical to double its inventory. Owner Destiny Zielie built the eyeglass displays herself.

Congratulations to

Vision Optical

from your friends at

congratulations

Find Your

PerFect

”

Home

”

PO Box 81105, Billings, MT 59108 • (406) 325-1414

Carlson Plumbing serviCing the greater billings area for over 25 Years

Destiny Zielie

Ty Elkin

Vision Optical

Yellowstone Bank

New CoNstruCtioNs remodel repair

406-628-6191

Congratulations

Congratulations

Banks of Service since 1907

on the new

building!

Vision Optical

MEMBER FDIC NMLS#403398

www.yellowstonebank.com

Thanks for letting us be a part of your project!

Serving the Billings, Montana Area New Shop Location • 5702 Stearns Circle www.MontanaGlassandShowerDoor.com 406-690-6467 M 1

Sunday, November 19, 2017 | D15

Billings Gazette

special advertising section

With one extra exam room, Vision Optical has the possibility of hiring a second optometrist.

Employees working in the eyeglass lab are able to see business activity in the lobby.

Thank You

Holiday decorations liven up the lobby, creating a festive environment for visiting the eye doctor and retailer.

Clients can wait in comfort for an exam. Separate rooms ease crowding, an issue that existed in the business’s previous location.

to everyone involved with our new building!

1701 Grand Avenue • Billings, Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm Saturday: 9am – 12pm

406.656.9857 www.visionopticalbillings.com M 1

D16 | Sunday, November 19, 2017

Billings Gazette

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