Paul Fraughton | Salt Lake Tribune Nick Markosian, owner of West Valley Auto Plaza in West Valley City, stands outside his business that will be moving half a mile down Redwood Road to a new location in Taylorsville. Thursday, August 16, 2012

Incentive helps push used-car center down the street

Relocation » West Valley Auto Plaza gets $400K to move to Taylorsville.

By pamela manson

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Aug 16 2012 07:36 pm • Last Updated Aug 16 2012 07:36 pm

West Valley Auto Plaza is getting a new home and a new name.

In a move fueled by nearly $400,000 in incentive money, the used-car business is relocating a half-mile down the street, from 3899 S. Redwood Road in West Valley City to 4238 S. Redwood Road in Taylorsville. The enterprise, which also includes a Meineke Car Care Center, will be called Markosian Auto Plaza, after owner Nick Markosian.

The Taylorsville City Council, sitting as the Redevelopment Agency board, greased the skids by voting unanimously Wednesday night to approve the payment of $394,500 for improvements at the new address.

"We’re excited about having them come to our town," Taylorsville Mayor Russ Wall said Thursday. "When they approached us about moving here, we were happy to help them."

Taylorsville will get a return on its money, according to Economic Development Director Donald Adams. The auto plaza is expected to generate $14,250,000 in sales annually, which produce $71,250 in point-of-sale taxes to the city, he said.

West Valley Auto Plaza has been at its 4-acre site since May 2008. Markosian said he decided to relocate because the building was too big for his needs and asked Taylorsville administrators if the city could help.

The Taylorsville property, which Markosian purchased, had been the site of a Ken Garff used-car dealership. Plans call for the future Markosian Auto Plaza to add six vehicle bays, build an addition to the existing building that includes a customer waiting area and service manager office, and put in landscaping, among other improvements.

Markosian, who typically stocks 130 cars and averages 81 sales a month, expects to open for business in Taylorsville next spring. He’s looking forward to setting up shop down the road.

"I’m really excited to work with a city that’s interested in my business," Markosian said.

pmanson@sltrib.com

Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC

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