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Here’s what’s next for the old Charlie’s on Broadway space

The old Charlie’s (Image: CHS)

Connecting the dots on our report from April that yet another minute clinic-style health care business was coming to Broadway, the restaurant space CityMD will be moving into and turning into an outpatient facility on Capitol Hill’s main drag is none other than the longtime home of Charlie’s.

Company officials have yet to confirm the project but people familiar with the plans say the CHI Franciscan Health-backed venture will open the new office after an overhaul of the old restaurant.

CHS reported in April that CityMD was planning a project for the property that includes the Broadway Alley retail mall.

Charlie’s on Broadway closed — again — in January some 40 years after its birth.

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Katie
Katie
6 years ago

GD it! That is where we went to ruin our health! I hate those in-and-out clinics. There’s already 4 on Broadway!

Michèl Schummer
Michèl Schummer
6 years ago

Those “clinics” are the equivalent of the 99¢ stores. I would do a thorough review before entrusting my health to one of them. Also, replacing going-out places, such as restaurants and bars, with banks and clinics will certainly not halt North Broadway’s demise as a vibrant street.

Zach
Zach
6 years ago

They’re great to get a prescription written that you already know you need, but that’s about it.

Carla
Carla
6 years ago

This. Sucks. Barf. And CHI Franciscan is a faith-based care system not too kind towards women’s reproductive rights or LGBTQ anything.

Mutha Mary
Mutha Mary
6 years ago

I hope they auction off the big framed photos. Always loved sitting in a booth with Gary Cooper or Wallis Simpson. So very unhappy about this new tenant. We don’t need more of the same on Broadway!!

Jim98122x
Jim98122x
6 years ago

This is sad. Another minute-clinic could just as easily go in any of the tons of new apartment buildings with ground-floor retail, all of which have zero personality and look like an aquarium. The Charlie’s space has warmth and funky charm that isn’t needed for a medical clinic.

RWK
RWK
6 years ago

I’m bummed out about this. Is there really a market for yet-another such clinic on Broadway? These places are fast-food medicine. Whatever happened to finding a primary care provider you can trust and staying with him/her for years? That arrangement surely provides better medical care than these drop-in clinics, which are all about the money.

Jim98122x
Jim98122x
6 years ago
Reply to  RWK

To play Devil’s advocate– It’s not really an “either/or”. I have a primary care doc that I’ve used for 20 years and am happy with. I have also used these Doc-in-a-box clinics too, for straightforward things like immunizations. I have friends with no insurance who have used them for pay-cash doctor appointments. And they can be open later than traditional doctor’s offices, so people who lose pay would not have to miss work. There IS a place for these– though I’m not sure so many, especially all on Broadway. I think this will make 3.

RWK
RWK
6 years ago
Reply to  RWK

Point taken, Jim. But why pay the (inflated) cost for an immunization, when you can get most of them (not all) at your primary care doctor and get them covered by insurance? And don’t most people get paid time off from their employer when they have to see a doctor?

Jim98122x
Jim98122x
6 years ago
Reply to  RWK

Bob,
Why pay the (inflated) cost for an immunization, when you can get most of them (not all) at your primary care doctor and get them covered by insurance?
A: it’s also covered at these places, too. Not sure about everyone’s but my insurance covers it 100% whether I get it from my doctor, a pharmacy, or a minute-clinic.

Don’t most people get paid time off from their employer when they have to see a doctor?
A: nope. Lots of people don’t. They either lose pay, or they have to use part of a sick day (if they even have them); or PTO (if their vacation & sick time are rolled together). So it’s like having to take part of a vacation day to get a shot. Lots of hourly workers get neither.

Bob Knudson
Bob Knudson
6 years ago
Reply to  RWK

Jim, correct me if I’m wrong, but my understanding is that these clinics do not accept insurance of any kind, because they don’t want to be bothered by billing insurance. It’s cash only.

Jim98122x
Jim98122x
6 years ago
Reply to  RWK

Bob,
They do accept insurance. I’ve gotten several vaccinations (such as flu shots) at one of them over the last few years. They have billed my insurance both times.

Jason
Jason
6 years ago
Reply to  RWK

Can confirm. Zoom took my insurance, which I believe is blue cross. (Changed so many times I lose track)

c doom
6 years ago

Apparently, walk-in clinics are the only businesses that can pay rent on Broadway any more. If you’re a new arrival making big money, congratulate yourself on helping to make this be reality.

Jim98122x
Jim98122x
6 years ago
Reply to  c doom

Or just maybe it’s because nobody was eating at Charlie’s– long time residents or recent arrivals. New arrivals making big money have medical insurance and don’t need low cost walk-in clinics.

PSeattle
PSeattle
6 years ago

Yech. More Catholic money buying control of healthcare.

Jahoo
Jahoo
6 years ago

I hope the glass backgammon table goes to a good home; not in the trash.
I’m going to miss the interior of this place.