Milford – Genesis of Milford plans to move out of its joint space with Hyundai and build a new dealership in the city in the current Howard Johnson building.
The proposal for the new Genesis space was recently approved by the Zoning and Planning Board. It houses a 24,600-square-foot showroom and a repair facility with 286 parking spaces.
“We have a purchase and sale agreement in place to purchase combined properties at 1040 and 1052 Boston Post Road, as well as property at 990 Bridgeport Ave,” said Chuck Dortensio, chief operating officer of Key Automotive Group. Meeting. “Despite the fact that these properties remained in their current state for some time, we fell in love with them the first time we walked in.”
Jason Edwards, the civil engineer for the project, said the original parcel line ran through the lobby at Howard Johnson’s Restaurant and Friends Restaurant.
“Friendly’s was on a separate lot in front of Howard Johnson’s house,” Edwards said. “This parcel is still there, but we are suggesting that the parcel be combined into one larger parcel. So 1040 will be gone, and I think it will be 1052.”
Dortenzio said they want to build in Milford even though there aren’t any financial incentives available.
“We were looking to find a suitable site to build a luxury retail facility. We have received approval from Genesis North America to move our existing franchise to 1052 Boston Post Road,” said Dortenzio.
“We want to build the property gate,” he said, adding that several local officials agreed.
Dortenzio said they just renewed their Hyundai sale at their current location, 566 Bridgeport Ave.
“There are incentives for both manufacturers to make their stores exclusive,” he said. “Genesis will be the only franchise for new cars out there, but as with most new car dealers, we expect to sell used cars from other brands.”
The first phase of the proposal includes developing about half of the site, demolishing existing structures and building a 24,600-square-foot car service center as well as parking spaces.
“The only time factor is the owners of the cellular devices on top of the building. We can’t do that right away. We have to wait for them to take it off,” Edwards said.
He added that the other remaining elements in the second stage are the classification and stabilization of the remainder of the western package.
The proposed Genesis of Milford building would have a 69-foot-high circular roof with translucent windows with architectural metal panels as an exhibition hall.
“My car is not constantly moving. It’s the parking and display piece,” said Dortenzio. “The only time it can move is when we need to lower a car or if we need to load cars into it. Essentially, it gives us the ability to park 14 cars in a two-car parking lot, as well as show cars, which is what we want to do.”