Bedard’s new state-of-the-art facility at 359 Minot Ave., Auburn is home to Bedard Pharmacy, Bedard Senior Care, Bedard Medical Equipment and Supplies showroom and administrative offices.

In 2007, the city of Auburn purchased the 3.8-acre lot at the corner of Minot Ave. and Fairview Ave. where the iconic pink Gooseberry Barn once stood. Nearby businesses and neighbors patiently waited to find out who would become their new neighbor.

Proposals for the available lot came and went for three years. In 2010, the property piqued the interest of Bedard owners Michael and Annette Nadeau. According to Michael, “We knew it was a great corner … it was a fit for us and the timing was right.”

Before groundbreaking could commence, the Nadeaus had an important meeting. It had always been their intention to build with reasonable approval from the adjacent Fairview School as well as from nearby residents.

“We really tried to take into consideration the neighborhood’s needs and wants,” continued Nadeau. “Throughout the planning process we continually asked ourselves, ‘If I were a neighbor, what would I want to see here?’”

And so they listened.

In June 2010, the Nadeaus invited all neighboring businesses and residents to a “meet and greet” to discuss construction plans. They listened to the neighbors’ thoughts and opinions and addressed any questions or concerns.

As a result of that meeting, the Nadeaus were able to make numerous conscientious construction decisions. For example, land elevations were lowered to avoid drastically altering neighbors’ views; landscaping along Fairview Avenue was preserved; appropriate entryways were identified to avoid heavy traffic; and downlighting was selected for the parking lots to avoid bright neon lighting.

By listening and making decisions that were right for the neighborhood, Bedard was welcomed with open arms. Nadeau recounts one neighbor’s words which reinforced their decision to build at the Minot Avenue location. The words have stayed with Mike ever since: “For years we have been looking for somebody to build on this lot. It could not have happened any better than this. We wished for the perfect neighbor and you guys are it. Thanks for coming into our neighborhood!”

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