For decades, residents along Oregon’s north coast have driven long distances for basic care, often waiting weeks or months for appointments. That changed this fall with the opening of the new Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy in Wheeler, Oregon: a deeply needed investment in community wellness and access. The Nehalem Bay Health District has long worked to expand healthcare resources for the region, and this facility marks a major milestone in delivering critical services close to home.
The original clinic–built in the 1980s–could no longer meet the community’s growing needs. The new 16,400-square-foot, two-story building more than doubles the size of its predecessor, now providing a full retail pharmacy, expanded clinical and exam spaces, dental facilities, administrative offices, warm, light-filled public areas, and private consultation and support rooms. Designed with a focus on patient comfort and dignity, the facility emphasizes natural light, intuitive wayfinding, and spaces that feel safe and welcoming. Bremik’s team carried this vision through construction with careful detailing, thoughtful material selections, and a deep commitment to ensuring every space supports patient well-being.
Bremik’s Preconstruction Manager, Tygh Colton, and Project Manager, Jake Watkins, both highlighted how crucial collaboration was throughout the project. “Bremik has a long-standing relationship with Scott Edwards Architecture, and it was a really successful collaboration,” Jake shared. Tygh added, “We had the same goal: to deliver a high-quality building within budget. It took a team to find the right balance.” With tight schedules, cost pressures, and the unique challenges of coastal construction, early teamwork across all stakeholders kept the project on track and aligned with the community’s priorities.
What stood out most to the team wasn’t just the building, but the people it serves. “These coastal communities are really underserved when it comes to healthcare,” Jake said. “The existing facility was outdated, and they needed something new. This is an amazing resource for them.” Bremik’s onsite team became part of the community, from playing in local pickleball leagues to joining neighborhood dinners, helping build trust and strengthen the project’s connection to the people it was designed for. “We showed value outside of what it typically means to be a contractor,” Tygh reflected. “We aimed to be a partner, not a separate entity focused solely on construction.”
At the grand opening, excitement filled the building as patients, families, and staff celebrated a resource their community had long awaited. “There was so much excitement,” Jake said. “We were really happy to be part of it, and we’re excited for what this means for the district and the residents.”
The Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy now stands as a true anchor for essential healthcare along the Oregon Coast–and a project Bremik is proud to have delivered for the community.
