New MINI dealer for Corte Madera, Cali

A new Mini Cooper dealership is poised to open in Corte Madera after Marin Honda vacates its space for a site in East San Rafael later this year.

Penske Automotive Group, which owns both dealerships, has submitted an application to demolish the 6,811-square-foot Marin Honda showroom at 5880 Paradise Drive and build a new 7,778-square-foot Mini showroom on a different part of the same property, said Dan Bell, Corte Madera's planning director.

The body shop would also undergo renovations and expansions, should the Planning Commission approve the proposal on Feb. 8, Bell said.

"If they approve it, then that's the only discretionary approval that's needed," Bell said. "Then it would be followed up by submitting building permits."

Penske hopes to open the Mini dealership this fall, said Geoff Burns, a project manager for the Michigan-based company. San Rafael has approved the Marin Honda dealership, which Penske is planning to open at 2 Shoreline Parkway in May, Burns said. Demolition and construction have already begun.

The Corte Madera site had become too small for Marin Honda, he added.

"We've been attempting to update our facility now for several years and a site became available for us in San Rafael that was more compliant," said Keith Rey, Marin Honda's general manager. "It's going to give us an opportunity to really service the community.

"We didn't want to leave the (Corte Madera) site empty, so we're very excited about bringing Mini to Marin," Rey added, noting that there is no Mini Cooper dealership in the North Bay.
Rey said the expansion will generate local jobs.

"To have these opportunities unfold right now and for us to be growing and expanding at this time is really exciting, and we're just most excited for our customers," Rey said.

Assuming the Planning Commission approves the plan, Corte Madera anticipates a lag in sales tax revenue from the property while construction is underway, Mayor Alexandra Cock said. Nonetheless, town officials are pleased at the prospect of a new dealership opening up, she said.

"Mini would be a great complement to the other business we have in Corte Madera," Cock said. "My expectation is that once it really gets going there, then the revenue will be equal to or greater than the Honda dealership. The price point on the cars is higher.

"They have shown us some mock-ups, and I think it really looks great — it will really bring a modern look to that corner," Cock said.

Source - Home - Marin Independent Journal