Bainbridge Pediatrics, the island’s first and only dedicated pediatric clinic, will move into a new facility on Grow Avenue this November.

“We think it’s a huge step in making us a sustainable local health clinic,” Dr. Fred Walters said at a June 17 ground-breaking celebration.

The clinic was one of the first businesses to move into the Sportsman Club Complex in 2007.

“It’s been a great home for us, but we’ve been looking for a permanent home for the clinic for the last two or three years,” Walters said.

That search proved more difficult than expected.

The pediatrician had all but given up last fall, when his Windermere agents learned that the dental office of Dr. Frank Kitamoto might be up for sale. Bainbridge Pediatrics closed on the property on June 14.

Directly across from the high school, the site at 1298 Grow Ave. is central and convenient, with easy access to public transportation and expanded parking options.

“We’re interested in appealing more and more towards adolescent populations,” Walters said.

A $1.2 million remodel, designed by BC&J Architects, began last week, with plans for six exam rooms, a large procedure room, consult room and open, light-filled waiting area to be completed by Nov. 1.

“It’s going to be about 25 percent more square footage than we currently have,” Walters said.

Bainbridge Pediatrics will flip Kitamoto’s setup, so that the reception sits at the east end of the building. There will be two entrances, one to the high school and one to the back parking lot.

Along with this new direction, Bainbridge Pediatrics has updated its logo. “In our current space, we have a beautiful glass wall that was a memorial to Diane Fuquay, the first pediatrician on the island,” Dr. Molly Linhardt explained.

“The logo takes inspiration from that with colors of glass put together to make a tree. The tree symbolizes family, growth and community.”

The clinic team, comprised of three board-certified pediatricians, two nurses, five medical assistants, an office manager and receptionist, will remain unchanged.

Bainbridge Pediatrics was founded in 2007 with a mission of providing quality, family-focused pediatric care for children and adolescents on Bainbridge Island and the North Kitsap Peninsula.