One East Bronx business is getting an upgrade.
Milea Auto Group in Waterbury-Lasalle is expanding their two car dealerships and service departments on East Tremont Avenue.
The group purchased and demolished the two mixed-use houses that were wedged between the Subaru dealership and Buick GMC dealership at Waterbury Avenue in order to renovate and expand the dealerships, said owner Albert Sanfilippo.
In addition, the group has purchased two buildings adjacent to their service departments one block south in order to expand and renovate those as well.
“It’ll be really nice when it’s all done,” he said.
The GMC showroom has already been renovated as part of the project, and the Subaru showroom will also receive an update, said Sanfilippo. The project will also increase the size of the lots, by knocking down the two houses, making room for more than a hundred additional cars.
“We’re basically doubling our size,” said Sanfilippo.
That will allow customers to have more cars on-site to chose from when they visit either dealership, he said.
“We’ll be able to increase our inventory and give a lot more variety to customers,” said Sanfilippo.
It makes sense for the two dealerships, opened in 1995 and 1998, to share one piece of property, he said. The expansion comes after two years of planning and the last phase of the project should be completed by spring of 2015.
“We’re excited about it,” said Sanfilippo.
The two houses that were demolished were run down, said Sanfilippo, and he thinks their removal and the expansion of the dealerships will be much more visually appealing to neighbors.
“They were an eyesore,” he said of the houses wedged between his lots.
The service departments of Milea Subaru and Milea GMC will also be expanded and renovated, incorporating the recently purchased buildings at 3273 and 3277 E. Tremont Ave. The additions will also include a new, more inviting, customer lounge with Internet, work stations, and a child play area.
“It’ll be much more comfortable for customers,” said Sanfilippo.
The expansion will be good for customers and for neighbors, he said, and the dealerships will be hiring to support that expansion. The auto group expects to add between 10 and 15 full-time jobs when the project is completed.
“I think it’s good for everyone,” said Sanfilippo.
Car sales have increased in the past few years, said Sanfilippo, and the market for Subarus in particular is growing fast. He said both car makers are offering great products at good values. The project is also part of the GM Image program, which set certain standards for facilities.
“It’s a good time to do this,” said Sanfilippo.
