Rivertown Eye Care has been a staple in the small Minnesota town of Hastings since it was founded by Dr. Joseph Slapnicher in 1975. Recently, the family-owned business was handed down from father to son—and received a fresh, modern look in the process.
For the remodel, Slapnicher’s optometrist son Eric worked with Minneapolis design firm Prospect Refuge Studio to give the space a contemporary feel that’s more akin to a North Loop boutique of coffee shop than a traditional optical clinic. She tapped buzzworthy Twin Cities furniture makers Keith Wyman (of Concrete Pig) and Marvin Frietas to custom-design and hand-build all the displays, fixtures, and tables, which include Wyman’s signature concrete-and-wood creations.
Eric also brought in several luxury eyewear brands from around the world to the store, including Paris-based Face á Face, Denmark’s Lindberg, California-based Salt., L.A.’s Barton Perreira, and Spain’s Etnia Barcelona. The store has also committed to donating 10 percent of each frame sold from its Rivertown Eye Wear frame line to a different area charity each year, with this year’s proceeds going to Hastings Family Service.
Now open @ 1011 N. Frontage Rd., Hastings, 651-437-5469, rivertowneyecare.com
all photos Easton Green Photography
