The Ingleside kidney dialysis center that dropped its expansion plans a few years ago is now relocating to the former Target Express space.
Get Our Newsletter
Let the best of The Ingleside Light come to you.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RAI Care Center, located on Ocean Avenue between Dorado Terrace and Faxon Avenue, aims to move one block over into 1830 Ocean Ave. nearly three years after it won approval to expand into the former CVS Pharmacy space but ultimately abandoned those plans after facing challenges.
Documents with the San Francisco Planning Department propose expanding its current dialysis services of 24 medical treatment chairs to 36, with enough space to add 10 additional treatment chairs in the future for a total of 46 chairs.
The project will include many building improvements for the 17,900 square foot area with a change of use from retail to medical.
Representatives from RAI Care Center did not respond to requests for comment. Seligman Properties Property Manager Steve Adams, who represents the property owner, declined to comment at this time.
The center is owned by Fresenius Kidney Care, which also has two other locations in the city and another nearby in South San Francisco. It’s a powerful German-based corporation that, along with its rival DaVita, controls access to dialysis for people whose kidneys are failing.
“Dialysis treatment is a need-based service and Fresenius has determined this area to be under-served,” the application states. “The project will serve those in the community who rely on renal dialysis care on both on-site treatment and at-home training.”
The application states its relocation will not change traffic since the space has a parking garage, which is shared by 24 Hour Fitness. Patient loading has been a contentious aspect of the center’s operations.
“Patients, especially those with mobility issues may be dropped off at the loading area on Ocean Avenue,” the application states. “This will allow entry into the space through the public front doors and interior ramp which will be accessible.”
The former Target space has already been repainted. The application proposes new signage at the entrance facing the intersection at Dorado Terrace and Ocean Avenue, a refurbished and cleaned storefront entrance, new window openings to match and other mechanical installations.
The neighborhood’s Target Express closed on June 26, 2021, despite being profitable and popular with residents. The last serious potential occupant for the space was Bevmo and its parent company GoPuff which presented plans to open there in August 2021.
Empty anchor storefronts have plagued Ocean Avenue for decades. Two are located close to the former Target at 1970 Ocean Ave. and 1760 Ocean Ave.
Anne Marie Kristoff (she/her) is a recent graduate from San Francisco State University's journalism program. She enjoys writing about the arts, entertainment and nature.
