OXFORD — Goodwin Chevrolet Buick is set to build an all-new $2 million facility along Route 26.
The company has received town approval to construct a 13,776-square-foot building at 1606 Main St. that redesigns its showroom and offices while adding additional service bays.
The expansions should create three new technician positions, according to General Manager Jeanette Downing.
“We are looking at growth, no doubt,” Downing said.
The driving force behind the redesign is to standardize its look with GM franchises across the country, Downing said.
“If a motorist from New York drives here, we want them to immediately recognize us, expect the same service,” she said.
The decision to replace rather than renovate the current building has been a year in the making, Downing said. Company officials initially opted to upgrade the building’s infrastructure — as they did in 2007 with a $1 million upgrade to the showroom — but determined it would be more efficient on utilities to build new.
The repair shop will not be impacted, though most of the building will be torn down to make way for a new parking lot after construction is completed.
The cost estimates for the building are still being finalized, and the total price tag may be more than $2 million, she said.
The franchise survived a scare in 2010 when it was initially told it would be one of the 1,100 General Motors stores nationwide to be closed after the company went through bankruptcy.
The decision was eventually rescinded after a GM official toured the facility, according to Sun Journal records.
Construction is expected to begin in August, and employees hope to move into the building over the winter. Demolition on the existing building is scheduled to be completed by March.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
