16th Street Volvo Repair Shop Slated For Office Space

16th Street Volvo Repair Shop Slated For Office SpacePhoto: Shane Downing/Hoodline
Shane Downing
Published on March 29, 2016

We can expect to see some changes to the longstanding Volvo Centrum on 16th Street, between Sanchez and Market.

Tipster John G. inquired about the space earlier this month, and according to tipster Katy, a construction crew was onsite yesterday, and it appeared as though interior demolition of the former auto shop had begun.

According to plans filed, the building was sold to an unnamed architectural firm that plans to convert the auto service shop into a mix of small business offices and workshops. One market-rate residential unit is also part of the plans for the shop’s conversion.

We caught up with Volvo Centrum’s manager Bill, who confirmed that: "The person who bought it has an architectural firm. He wants to restore the building and put in architectural offices.”

The single-story building was constructed in 1915.

Volvo Centrum opened on Market Street in the 1970s. A couple of years later, the auto shop's owners purchased the building on 16th Street, and they've been there ever since. Since moving out of their shop earlier this year, mechanics are continuing to service cars for customers.

“I’m currently operating just down the street temporarily,” said the shop’s manager. “If anyone needs to get a hold of me, I’m taking care of about three or four cars a day.” (You can contact the temporary auto shop by calling the number listed online.)

Bill is currently in negotiations to move into another shop in the city; however, he declined to comment on a specific location.

Although we don’t yet know exactly who or what will be moving into 3512 16 St., we’ll continue to monitor the development.

Thanks to tipsters John G. and Katy J.