Dr. Valori Johnson had her eye on opening a neighborhood veterinary clinic in Portland’s central eastside. In searching the area, she found a building which in fact turned out to be two small buildings cobbled together badly in need of just about everything. Armed with determination and patience Dr. Johnson teamed up with Norwest Contractors to convert the former office/warehouse/distribution facility into her new veterinary clinic. Before starting construction, the project required navigating a complex series of issues that included both a full seismic upgrade, as well as bringing the exterior of the 60+ year-old building up to current zoning standards. The good news is Dr. Johnson’s determination paid off. Today Buckman Veterinary Clinic is a bustling practice open 6 days a week, offering separate dog and cat exam rooms and hospitalization wards; a dental station and a surgery suite.