ANN ARBOR, MI — An auto repair shop has plans to expand on Hoover Street in Ann Arbor.
Hoover Street Auto Repair at 142 E. Hoover St. is seeking site plan approval to redevelop three adjacent parcels which include 142, 144 and 146 E. Hoover St. for its auto repair facility.
Residents are invited to submit their opinions and direct any questions about the development to AR Brouwer Company, which is the project’s builder. These questions and comments will be included in the development’s final application submitted to the City of Ann Arbor.
Brian Hogue, owner of Hoover Street Auto, said the business is “cramped” right now and needs to expand. He said it makes sense financially for the company to propose constructing a new building.
The locations at 144 and 146 E. Hoover St. are currently rental properties owned by Hogue, he said.
“The current building is incredibly small so … it’ll be a whole new world for everyone who works there and the customers that come there (if this is approved),” he said.
Plans for the new facility involve constructing a new 6,000 square-foot auto repair structure east of the existing facility, which will be demolished upon completion of the new building. Hogue said the auto repair facility’s current building is around 2,500 square feet with six repair bays.
The proposed development would also help the location receive improvements to its underground storm water retention, parking, landscaping and features nine repair bays and an office area.
Hogue has been serving the Ann Arbor-area with different auto shops since 1980. He said this began as a high school dream and has only continued to grow over the years.
Hogue took over Hoover Street Auto, which is now known for specializing in Asian import auto services and repairs as well as domestic auto repair services in 2002.
The auto repair shop owner also runs three other locations including State Street Auto Service, Abbott Street Auto Service and Stadium Auto Service.
Hogue said his commitment to customer service is why Hoover Street Auto needs to expand its operations.
“We just focus on the people and that’s the reason we’ve grown and why we’re successful,” he said. “(The need for this expansion) just verifies my philosophy that taking great care of people pays off.”
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