A Veterinary success…twice
Midtown Vets adds to success of downtown OKC revitalization
by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
After a successful career owning and operating emergency pet clinics, at the end of 2013, Leonardo and Margaretta Baez decided to open Midtown Vets. Leo had been retired just two months…I guess it’s true that “you can’t keep a good man down.”
The couple was having lunch with friend Mickey Clagg from the Midtown Renaissance OKC and they talked about the need to have a Veterinarian in the Midtown area.
“Mickey brought to us a proposal for the beautiful mid-century modern building at 231 NW 10th and we immediately fell for it,” said Dr. Baez. “The arrangements were made to hire the best architectural firm in OKC, Fitzsimmons Architects, and Brian and his fantastic group started the design process and overall logistics of the project.
“We all knew that working in an all-concrete building from the late 50s would be a challenge and this challenge was met head-on by all parties involved, adds Baez. “The restoration of fixtures, floors, doors, windows and even the 1950s kitchen to their original glory has been great fun. Terri Sadler did a great job helping us find the appropriate furniture and fixtures to match the era of the building.”
The Baez’ spoke with their friends Sean Cobb and Michelle Walker-Cobb and hired their firm, Funnel Design Group, for the creation of logo, signs, graphic art, and marketing pieces. All were created by Matt Goad, who Leo describes as, “a truly mid-century modern man.”
Dr. Baez was born and raised in Cuernavaca, Mexico. He graduated from the National University of Mexico, School of Veterinary Medicine (UNAM) in 1978. After attending Oklahoma State University he obtained his USA veterinary license and opened his first clinic in Oklahoma City in 1984.
For several years he worked as a consultant for various international companies in the pet industry, introducing their products in the Latin American market. In 2000 he opened the Animal Emergency Center of OKC, and in 2007 the Animal Emergency Center of Norman.
Since opening, Baez said, “Business is as good as expected and we feel like the neighborhood vet!” We get new clients every day and are establishing long-lasting relationships.
“It has been and continues to be great fun.”
Leonardo and his wife of over 30 years, Margaretta, live in Mesta Park with their rescue dog Thunder and their three daughters, Gabriela, Tess, and Amanda. Dr. Baez is an avid tennis player and a die-hard Thunder fan. He and his wife have worked with several pet humane organizations and like to get involved in community events.
“We want to make sure that everyone involved in Midtown Vets knows how grateful we are to have such a great group of friends and neighbors,” Dr. Baez concludes. “Thank you all for bringing Midtown Vets to life and may it be a very long life, allowing us to provide the best possible care for all of your beloved pets.”
For more information about Midtown Vets, visit www.midtownvets.com or call (405) 606-4477 to make an appointment.
The Gayly – May 15, 2015 @ 2:30pm.