New Fiat Dealership Approved for Previously Vacant Property

A conditional use permit for a new Luther Fiat dealership received unanimous support from the St. Louis Park City Council Monday night, April 15.

Council members voted 6-0 to approve the permit, which proposed to re-establish automotive sales, service and repair at 1820 Quentin Avenue South. The site formerly housed a Luther Volkswager dealership and, until 2008, a Luther Suzuki dealership. The property has been vacant since 2008.

Council Member Susan Sanger said it was a relief to see the formerly vacant building finally getting some use.

"I'm really glad to see that this building is going to be back in use and not sitting vacant anymore," Sanger said. "I think that's really great."

Sanger did note that nearby residents used to have issues with customers test driving vehicles on residential streets, in particular mentioning issues on Cedar Lake Road.

"Hopefully the new managers of the Fiat dealership will be encouraging test driving elsewhere," she said.

A portion of the building currently occupying the 2.7-acre lot will be demolished, while the remaining building will see extensive interior and exterior renovations. The parking lot will also undergo reconstruction and a substantial amount of landscaping will be added as part of the project. 

St. Louis Park Associate Planner Ryan Kelley said the development would include the planting of more than 200 shrubs and 30 trees on the site. Kelley said the project meets all building setback requirements and parking requirements, so no variances were necessary.

A new sign for the dealership will be erected as part of the project, as the existing signage sits atop the portion of the building set for demolition. The new sign is the same height from the ground as the existing sign on the building, which didn't raise any concerns from Council members.

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