Classic City Orthodontics Breaks Ground on New Eco-Friendly Facility

Oconee County will soon be home to a new, eco-friendly building that could become a type of landmark, according to the man behind its construction, Dr. Tradd Harter of .

The new space at 1020 Jamestown Boulevard will replace Dr. Harter's existing office on Park Drive, which he opened 10 years ago. He acquired the practice and its original location at at 600 Oglethorpe Avenue in Athens from Dr. James Morang in 2000. The satellite office in Oconee County was added in 2002.  But the 2,500 square-foot space has since started to feel cramped.

The practice has been outpacing growth projections by 3-4 years, Dr. Harter said, which is both a "blessing" and "surprise."

"We want to be able to provide care in a setting that matches up with the level of care that we provide on a daily basis," he said.

Wife Betsy Harter said patients were coming in with their whole families and it was getting crowded.

"We talked to our patients and our staff about what we could do to make it more comfortable for everybody, and everyone gave their input and we started designing this new office," she said.

The new LEED-certified building will afford patients more space, comfort, parking and technology, Dr. Harter said. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED system's developer.

"It's going to be something very unique," he said "and quite honestly I think it's going to be considered kind of a landmark building."

The space is actually designed for two buildings, the second of which will be able to house one or two additional businesses.

"It's not just my business coming here, but I'm hoping to bring two new businesses as well," Dr. Harter said.

He bought the property four years ago and has been waiting for the right moment: now.

"Even though it's a tough economy, I know it's the right time.  I've got the right people and the right place," he said.  "What else do you need?"

Matlack-Van Every Design, an orthodontic design firm, and AllPhase Medical, a local construction firm that specializes in the development and construction of medical practices and healthcare facilities, are working on the project. is providing the financing.

"This new building will be beautiful and comfortable for patients and allow Dr. Harter and his staff to work efficiently while using the latest technology," said Joyce Van Every, president of Matlack-Van Every Design, in a released statement.

What do you think of the design of the new building? Leave your opinion below.

"My young son is going to be a patient here, too, so I want to know, and I know all the moms here want to go to a very warm, consistent experience every time they come here," Bill Kraelig of AllPhase Medical said.  "I think it bodes well and is a testament to (Dr. Harter's) vision for this piece of dirt."

The practice serves a wide range of patients from those active in treatment to others in retention.  Many younger children not yet ready for braces come in for periodic checkups. New patients are always accepted and referrals from dentists are not needed, Mrs. Harter said.

"It's a complimentary visit for Dr. Harter to take a look at you just to see what kind of growth pattern your child has or, if you're an adult, what kind of bite issues you have," she said.

Call (706) 769-6116 in Oconee County or (706) 549-4748 in Athens to set up appointments. Visit www.classiccityorthodontics.com to learn more about services offered.

Construction at the new site is slated to begin next month and Classic City Orthodontics is planning to move in by August, Kraelig said.