Five Decades of Community Care and Resilience
In the summer of 1974, Pete and Lynne Ciaramita decided to pursue their passion in pharmaceutical care that focused on individual patient needs. Partnering with Vernon and Darlene Haag, the couples purchased Crown Drug, located next to what is now the Racine Art Museum, formerly M&I Bank, in Racine, Wisconsin. They renamed the drug store to Haag’s Lakeview Pharmacy and remained there for three years. In 1977, the pharmacy moved into the former Hoffman Furniture Building at 424 Main Street. With a beautiful view of Lake Michigan, they renamed their dream to Lakeview Pharmacy.
The pharmacy’s growth was remarkable in its early years. They continued to grow and in 1985, expanded to provide care for assisted living homes. Starting with 55 residents, the pharmacy built upon its dream and now cares for nearly 1,000 patients at over 140 assisted living facilities. In March of 1987, Pete and Lynne branched out on their own and bought out the partnership from the Haags. Three years later, they purchased the building at 424 Main Street.
However, 1991 brought an unexpected challenge that would test the pharmacy’s resilience and community support. On March 8, 1991, Lakeview Pharmacy burned to the ground. In a time of need, caring neighbors quickly welcomed Lakeview Pharmacy into the Doering Jewelry building a few doors down for temporary quarters. M&I Bank offered a safe to store all the inventory, and the computer backup disc and medications were sent to Pete’s home so he could continue to provide care. By the Fall of 1991, Lakeview Pharmacy relocated one block south to their current location, 516 Monument Square, the former Joseph Lawrence Clothiers.
After nearly five decades of dedicated service, Pete Ciaramita made the decision to sell Lakeview Pharmacy to Megan Haapnen, the pharmacy’s lead pharmacist who had been with the company for 12 years. “National pharmacy corporations have expressed interest to purchase Lakeview Pharmacy for a long time, but my goal has always been to keep Lakeview out of their hands,” said Ciaramita. “I couldn’t be more proud that I am able to sell the store to Megan.” The ownership transition was officially completed on September 20, 2021.
Under new ownership, Lakeview Pharmacy embarked on a comprehensive renovation project. The store at 516 Monument Square in Racine completed an interior and exterior remodel and now offers a variety of products from Wisconsin-based small businesses. Lakeview Pharmacy celebrated its grand reopening in September 2023 with a pancake breakfast and community celebration.