Findlay Automotive Group plans new Toyota dealership

Las Vegas-based Findlay Automotive Group is building a new $30 million Toyota dealership that will be three times the size of Findlay Toyota's existing store in the Valley Auto Mall in Henderson.

Findlay Toyota General Manager Rich Abajian said the 145,000-square-foot dealership on 12 acres just east of the current location will have 100 service bays, compared with 30 now.

"We have no customer parking," he said. "We're just jammed in, we became so congested, so customers were screaming for more room. We knew there'd come a time."

Findlay Toyota projected 250 new car sales a month when the current dealership was built in 1998, Abajian said. Last year, the dealership sold nearly 6,000 new cars and 3,000 to 4,000 used cars.

Although some economists have forecast 2008 will be a down year in the automotive industry, Abajian expects to have a record year in both new and used car sales at the new Findlay Toyota and expects to rank among the top five dealerships in sales of both new Toyotas and Scions.

"Actually, Toyota was up last year and continues to be strong with their research and development. They'll continue to fight the economy," Abajian said. "Obviously, you're always nervous (about building) to a certain point, but we're also confident because of our customer base, our community involvement and our marketing."

The new Findlay Toyota, scheduled to open in June, will have room for 800 car displays, a customer waiting area, child play area and a café. Abajian said Findlay Toyota will eventually be joined by Lexus of Henderson, Findlay Audi and Findlay Signature Lincoln Mercury on the east side of U.S. Highway 95.

Findlay Automotive Group, with 12 dealerships in Las Vegas, was founded nearly 50 years ago by the late Pete Findlay. His son, Cliff, expanded operations into Utah, Arizona and Idaho.

NEW RESTAURANTS: Las Vegas-based LM Construction has completed $180,000 in tenant improvements for LJ's Bar and Grill, 1243 E. Sahara Ave.. and $370,000 in restaurant work for Oyshi Sushi, 7775 W. Rainbow Blvd.

Mike Kessler, tenant improvement manager for LM Construction, said Oyshi's owners wanted to create a "hip, modern environment" for patrons. Design elements include a treated concrete floor and exposed, black duct work.

Owners David Sim and Heesoo Hwang, both graduates of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, also incorporated a mural of a traditional Japanese scene by Las Vegas spray-can artist D.J. Jester.

Kessler said LJ's was a challenging project that required retrofitting and upgrading of the 30-year-old building to combine a deli, restaurant and bar.

Tavern partner Kent Johns said the area is re-emerging as a vibrant community hub and he wanted to create a neighborhood bar where professionals want to hang out.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT: Home builder Blue Heron broke ground Thursday on 22 Parkside, a collection of single-family homes at Cimarron Road and Laredo Street.

Similar to Blue Heron's first project, Stone Canyon Luxury Lofts, homes at 22 Parkside will have contemporary desert exteriors, flexible floor plans and green-building options such as photovoltaic solar panels.

Blue Heron principal Tyler Jones said 12 of the 22 homes have been sold. Prices start in the upper $600,000s; completion is scheduled for late this year or early 2009.

ATRIUM SOLD: Charles Moore and Christina Roush of CB Richard Ellis represented McHenry Commons Partners in the sale of The Atrium office at 333 N. Rancho Drive to the city of Las Vegas for $26.5 million.

FOREIGN INVESTORS: Molly Hamrick of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty said the firm's developer services division is working with three investor groups in the United Kingdom to buy midrise and high-rise condominium units in Las Vegas.

Coldwell sold 80 units to U.K. investors in December at prices from $400,000 to $600,000. The developer services division, formed in 2006 to spearhead sales efforts for developers, is moving into New Zealand, Australia and Korea.

The 113-unit Mercer mixed-use development at Tropicana Avenue and Grand Canyon Drive was Coldwell's first client. The firm recently took on the 178-unit Brickwater midrise condo project near Las Vegas Boulevard and Blue Diamond Road.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0491.