New, Hi-Tech Car Wash Approved on Detroit Avenue

Looks like a car wash on Detroit Avenue will meet a wrecking ball to make way for another car wash. 

That's after the Lakewood Planning Commission approved a proposal Thursday that sought to demolish the existing at 16910 Detroit Avenue.

A new Wash Stop will be built at the location, but the  at the front of the property will remain.

The a 120-feet wash tunnel, with eight to 10 free vacuum stations and two automated pay stations.

The do-it-yourself model will be replaced with a high-tech automatic car wash that would take a vehicle through a tunnel, according to the plans submitted to the city.

Michael Gill, a nearby resident on Edwards Avenue, told the planning commission that he supports the plan, considering that developers took into consideration issues such as water run-off, as well as sound and light attenuation. 

“I’ve lived here for 13 years, and the entire time, people have been bringing in 24 hour proposals,” he said. “I’ve got to say I think this could be a good thing.”

“You’re only as successful as the communities in which you operate,” said developer Tom Morley. “It exciting for me to be able to address some of your concerns. There are ways to do this better, faster and cheaper — and be more environmentally friendly.”

The plans boast a new car wash that features a LEED-certified building; 100 percent water reclamation capability; and annual sustainability reporting.

The proposed hours of operation would be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and closed on Sundays.

The proposal also got a conditional-use permit for the use of a drive-thru, adhering to the city’s .