This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
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.
Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC