The expansion of Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate, near the corner of Southeast Pioneer Way and Southeast City Beach Street, is the first new construction in historic downtown Oak Harbor for more than 40 years, Camden and Rick Schutte, two of Koetje’s owners, said during a recent visit.

“We’ve always considered this corner to be the gateway to downtown, and if we can enhance it, that works to better all of downtown,” said Rick Schutte, 68, who for 20 years managed the business before buying it seven years ago.

“We’ve got a new mayor. We’ve got the new Main Street Association that lets businesses put money back into downtown. Downtown is showing activity,” said Rick Schutte. “When activity happens, it creates momentum, which stirs up the population.”

The father and son, along with their wives, own both the real estate company and Koetje Property Management, which deals with rentals.

The 10-person property-management business is now headquartered across Pioneer Way from the real estate business, but they’ll be together at last in the new building, slated to open by  the end of September.

Ground was broken for the expansion on Feb. 19.

The 3,600-square-foot building, costing about $630,000, will have room for the businesses’ 22 agents and 13 employees, as well as the owners and about eight desks for employees or agents in the future.

The family paid $139,000 for the lot.

The real estate firm’s current office, at 415 S.E. Pioneer Way, will be remodeled to match the new building to its east. Koetje Real Estate was founded in 1942. After passing down through thte family for more than 60 years, the business was sold to Rick Schutte.