Carter starting separate businesses in Medical District

The closure of Medical Arts Pharmacy has led to new businesses in the medical district.

Junior Carter, pharmacist for Medical Arts, plans to open Pharmacy First in the former Rite Aid site on Whitesburg Drive.

This venture into entrepreneurship is new territory for Carter, who has been a pharmacist for 30 years and managed Medical Arts after owner Wayne Cofield died in November 2006. He wanted to do what he could to fill the gaping hole the closure of Medical Arts left behind - the locally owned, neighborhood pharmacy.

"That's why it's important to put something back," he said. "We've been working here every day for the past two weeks."

The building, on Whitesburg near Marsheutz Avenue, has been empty since the Rite Aid closed last June. Ned Nuwayhid, who owns the building, said several businesses looked at the site, including a furniture store, doctor's office and medical supply firm, but he's glad to see another pharmacy moving in.

"I've known Junior for a long time, for 20 years," Nuwayhid said. "I believe Junior will bring (the building) back to success."

Pharmacy First will have 7,500 square feet and have sort of a general store feel. In addition to prescriptions, customers will be able to find household goods, automotive supplies and cosmetics, as well as surgical stockings and other medical supplies that Medical Arts carried. The front of the store will have a small restaurant serving pizza, sodas, coffee and snacks, Carter said.

The new pharmacy will also continue services provided by Medical Arts, including delivery and bubble wrapping, Carter said.

Employees at Medical Arts were surprised last month to learn the business would be closed and its assets sold to the Walgreen's store across the street. The pharmacy was formed in 1997 when Cofield's Huntsville Pharmacy joined two other longtime independent pharmacists.

Carter has hired four Medical Arts employees, including Susan Guffey, who has 17 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. He said the store will employ about 12 people.

Pharmacy First may be reached at 533-9314.

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