The automotive retail landscape in Bloomington is gearing up for a fresh look as Walser Toyota and Luther Kia move forward with investments that promise to revamp not just their facilities but also the community around them. According to a recent update from the City of Bloomington, Walser Toyota has just cut the ribbon on a new building last autumn, signaling a significant upgrade from its previous home of 25 years.
Brimming with confidence after a quarter-century on American Boulevard, Walser Toyota's new abode doesn't just serve as a showroom; it's a combined dealership and office space, stretching roughly 122,000 square feet and housing a commanding force of 340 employees, not to mention the upwards of 1,000 vehicles it can accommodate in its multi-level parking structure — evidently, Walser's expansion is more than just a change of scenery, it's a strategic consolidation with 175 corporate staffers from Edina now joining the Bloomington ensemble. This move aligns with the City's aspirations to see motor vehicle sales bloom in density and vertical form.
Not to be outdone, Luther Kia is revving up its own transformations—quite literally—on the corner of Knox Avenue and American Boulevard West within the bustling Penn-American District. The approved blueprints showcase a sprightly new 59,000-square-foot dealership destined to encompass a showroom, offices, and the works, including service, repair, and a car wash facility; construction is set to roll while the existing dealership maintains operations, promising minimal disruptions to customers and the daily flow.
As a part of the makeover, Luther Kia is taking meticulous care to indulge the area's aesthetics, planning updates to the streetscape featuring plantings, bench seating, and elegant pergolas along Knox Avenue, indeed these enhancements aim to be more than mere eye candy, they intend to stitch a fabric of community engagement and appeal, fostering an inviting atmosphere for residents and shoppers alike.
