A new dealership and several new commercial buildings are in the works at Hubler Ford Franklin, with construction set to start this year.
BDH Realty, LLC, the realty arm of the dealership, received preliminary plat approval to expand the existing dealership at 2140 N. Morton Street and build three new commercial buildings on adjacent land.
The Franklin Plan Commission approved the plans unanimously this week.
The first of the new buildings will be home to a new location of Brad’s Carwash, while others are yet to be announced, said Jon Haines, of BDH. The carwash’s flagship location, now under Hubler ownership, is reopening soon at 8135 S. Shelby Street in Indianapolis, just north of the county line, after an explosion last April.
Dealership and car wash construction is expected to start this summer or fall, with plans to open next summer, Haines said.
The remaining buildings will be built later, once businesses sign on to fill the spaces.
“Any development work would be something of value to the surrounding area and fit in well with existing businesses along U.S. 31,” Haines said. “BDH Realty and the Hubler Auto Group have been part of Franklin since 1982, and we look forward to the future.”
The new dealership will be significantly larger, more modern, more energy-efficient and on par with expectations for the Ford brand, he said.
The new building will be built on the same property, and business will continue on its current site throughout construction, Haines said.
The expansion will bring a more comfortable waiting area and larger sales and service areas, Haines said. About 20 new employees including mechanics, salespeople and managers will be hired to staff the new dealership, he said.
