MANATEE — Matt Woods steers a golf cart around the lot of Honda Cars of Bradenton, pointing to the past and the future.
The past is a 15,000-square-foot facility at 5515 14th St. W. the business has been housed in since 1988.
The future is a state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot facility on the same property that will be completed by April.
One might think the undertaking of this $14 million makeover is off-base given the sad state of the economy, Florida’s housing slump and the challenges the auto industry is facing.
But Woods, general manager of Honda Cars of Bradenton, says this project has been planned for some time.
Even if it weren’t, Woods believes now is as good a time as any.
“This area was good long before the (real estate) speculators drove it up,” Woods says. “If you go back to pre-2004, this area was growing at a pretty good clip.”
With declining home prices yielding more bargains, Woods thinks the area is beginning a recovery.
“Our outlook is still positive for this area,” Woods said.
Bob Bartz, president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, is encouraged by the expansion.
It comes at a time when business headlines are seldom positive and is in an area that is in need of rejuvenation — the U.S. 41 corridor, Bartz said.
“It’s very encouraging that people are expanding in this economy,” Bartz said. “Certainly that corridor, any different facelifts it can get would be an added plus to the community. This is certainly what we need.”
The Honda Cars of Bradenton expansion will increase the dealership’s service bays from 14 to 32, Woods said.
“The customer will actually drive the car into the service center, which is great, because you don’t have to worry about weather,” Woods said.
“And it’s a great environment for our employees.”
The new facility is expected to be completed by April, Woods said.
In addition to the climate-controlled service center, there will also be new offices and an expanded showroom.
“It’s going to be much more customer-friendly and much more employee-friendly,” Woods said.
“Happier employees usually make happier customers.”
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