PLATTSBURGH — Construction of the new McBride Chevrolet building is well under way.
Brian McBride, who owns the business on US Avenue with his brother, Bill McBride Jr., said favorable weather has the project about two weeks ahead of schedule. The work is expected to be finished by early November, he said.
The time was right, he said, as the building was 50 years old. It had been maintained but never renovated during that time, Brian said.
“GM (General Motors) has put a program together to assist dealers nationally to renovate their facilities, and we decided to participate,” he said.
HIRED LOCAL
Work started in early July, with the showroom and offices gutted. The only part of the original building to be used is the roof and structural steel.
“We’ve insisted that all of the contractors be local,” Brian said.
Conroy and Conroy is the general contractor. Subcontractors taking part include Ace Electric, Luck Builders, Bob’s Instant Plumbing, Johnson Protective Coating, Adams Glass, E.T. Harris and Sons, Lake Champlain Roofing, Lockrows, Jeffords Steel, Curtis Lumber, Samples Lumber, North Country Garage Doors, RM Sutherland and other local vendors yet to be determined.
“Champlain National Bank has been great to work with,” Brian said.
IMPROVED DRAINAGE
They expect to hire three or four new employees, he said, which would bring the workforce at the two dealerships up to 51.
They are also installing a pervious (CQ) pavement parking lot. Porous asphalt will be installed atop layers of different sized stones that will allow the water to penetrate and move to a capture area installed at the south side of the lot.
The system eliminates the need for a stormwater detention basin and prevents stormwater from ending up at the City of Plattsburgh Wastewater Treatment Plant, he said.
SALES NEXT DOOR
McBride said General Motors arranged for a design company to develop the design intent plan from which the contractors are working.
The Chevrolet sales are taking place at McBride Subaru, next door, until the new dealership facility opens.
The service area is intact but will also be revamped. It will feature a new drive-in service reception area, similar to the one at McBride Subaru.
The showroom and office layout includes a customer lounge with television, electric fireplace and coffee bar. There will be a fully equipped conference room, showroom in the front, offices, Internet sales area and parts room.
MAYOR PLEASED
McBride said they are excited they are able to rebuild in the city.
“We’re committed to the City of Plattsburgh and this area,” he said. “People have been good to us, and we want to give back as much as we can.”
City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said the McBride family has maintained a commitment to the city for decades.
“This addition is just another example of their dedication to not only the city but the entire region,” he said. “All of their efforts are first class. As mayor, I’m very pleased they continue to develop and grow.”
Email Dan Heath:
dheath@pressrepublican.com
