ODR Enterprises President Oscar Duran, 3rd from left, with his wife Adriana Mendez, 2nd from left, and members of his crew in front of Duran’s new building Tuesday at 111 Longview Dr. ‘This is a miracle because now we are going to bring this building back to life and help revitalize the whole community,’ Duran said. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

ODR Enterprises President Oscar Duran, 3rd from left, with his wife Adriana Mendez, 2nd from left, and members of his crew in front of Duran’s new building Tuesday at 111 Longview Dr. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

Oscar Duran, president of ODR Enterprises has purchased the White Rock Business Plaza building at 111 Longview Dr. The building was owned by Ellen Ballard, who closed her dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic after operating there for many years. This 13,710-sq.-ft. building sold for $750,000 and is the site of the former White Rock Bowl and a grocery store.

Duran describes his purchase of the White Rock Business Plaza building as a miracle.

“This is a miracle because now we are going to bring this building back to life and help revitalize the whole community,” he said.

Duran is a longtime builder who resides in White Rock. His most widely known business is ODR Plumbing and Heating LLC, which specializes in plumbing, mechanical and electrical contracting. ODR also performs full residential and commercial remodels, as well as new home construction.

He is going to create a large showroom that showcases the wide range of custom cabinets and countertops, including granite and quartz surfaces, that he provides to his customers. He also intends to have his company offices at the site, as well as other compatible real estate oriented businesses.

“It’s going to take six months or so to renovate the building and fit everything that I want to have in there,” he said.

Duran said that he understands that his project is another key component of the redevelopment of White Rock Center. His property is adjacent to the Bilingual Montessori School, where his wife, Adrianna Mendez, works as a teacher. His business is across the parking lot from the Little Studio on the Mesa, a vibrant art gallery that draws in many people throughout the week.

Duran’s project is within the boundaries of the White Rock Metropolitan Redevelopment Area, where the County is finalizing plans to approve the White Rock Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan. According to Los Alamos County Economic Development Director Dan Ungerleider, this is the beginning of a larger effort to draw public and private investment into the White Rock Center.

“The County is pleased that Mr. Duran, a white rock resident and local businessman is investing in our community. We look forward to working with him,” Ungerleider said.

Karl Hjelvik also is a resident of White Rock and serves as president of the Los Alamos Housing Partnership, Inc. He spoke about Duran’s recent purchase.

“It’s great to see new investment in White Rock Village,” Hjelvik said. “The County has invested a lot of money in community facilities in the area, and we are glad to be seeing more private investment in the vacant land and buildings.”

The Los Alamos County Council will consider a resolution to approve this White Rock Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan at its Oct. 18 meeting.