Businesses are bringing new life to O’Fallon’s former auto mall
Repurposed buildings in the former Auto Mall in O’Fallon are beginning to take shape with three businesses already moved in, one in the works, and another likely on the way.
Tenants include Equipment Share, Mers Goodwill and Richline Motors, with Aloha Pools opening July 8, and Q Storage’s permit is up for final approval at Monday’s O’Fallon City Council meeting.
The 23-acre property was the site of the Auffenberg Dealer Group’s car sales, until they moved the Ford, Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Nissan, Kia, Mazda, and Volkswagen dealerships to Shiloh in July 2022.
It remained empty until Equipment Share’s plans were approved last year and proceeded to renovate the first building. Earlier requests didn’t materialize. Gerber Collision and Glass, an auto body repair shop, withdrew their application, and Pintsch North America, which specializes in railroad safety, was to have relocated its light manufacturing and assembly operation there from Marion, Illinois, but the German company selected Mascoutah instead.
“It’s one of our priorities to fill the empty buildings and get some revenue back,” said Community Development Director Greg Anderson.
City staff recently met with property owners of the remaining three vacant parcels.
“We’re optimistic about the future and are actively engaged in recruiting businesses that will continue to revitalize and enhance this important commercial corridor. Announcements about new tenants will be made as plans are finalized,” Anderson said.
Here’s the rundown of businesses to date.
Goodwill – 106 Auto Court
Following extensive commercial renovation, Goodwill officially opened its doors in March. The improvements included a fully updated interior, freshly paved parking lot, and enhanced exterior finishes.
“The transformation is impressive,” Anderson said.
They moved into the former Kia dealership building and are both a retail center and a donation drop-off site.
Mark Kahrs, executive vice president, said this new spot can service O’Fallon, Shiloh, Fairview Heights and other nearby communities.
“We’re excited. We feel it will be more convenient, off the highway, and closer to other retailers. It will create synergy,” he said.
The retail side of Goodwill on Commerce Lane in Fairview Heights closed on March 27 and is now a donation center, and items can still be dropped off at the former Pier 1 Imports location.
EquipmentShare – 117 Auto Court
Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, it is a nationwide construction technology company that offers a full range of construction and job site rental equipment — including forklifts, boom lifts, excavators, and skid steers.
EquipmentShare also completed a significant remodel of the existing building, which had been used for Auffenberg pre-owned vehicle sales and Allstate Insurance offices.
They renovated the 10,863-square-foot building for its Advanced Solutions division, which rents climate control equipment, compressed air systems, fluid solutions, power solutions, and industrial tooling solutions.
The current store rents small mobile power generators, pumps, and portable air conditioning units.
EquipmentShare was founded in 2015 by two brothers who were experienced contractors, Jabbok and Willy Schlacks. Their website said they were on a mission to transform the construction industry through technology.
Today, EquipmentShare is the fastest-growing equipment solutions provider in the U.S. The company has grown into a team of over 5,000 employees across an expanding footprint of 215+ prime location rental, retail and service centers, offering over 200,000 connected assets.
Richline Motorsports – 129 Auto Court
Now open in O’Fallon, Richline Motorsports provides a comprehensive selection of automotive performance and aesthetic products.
“Their arrival further diversifies the tenant mix at the Auto Court,” Anderson said.
Specializing in automotive customization, Richline Motorsports is a tire dealer and repair shop with an extensive collection of aftermarket accessories, wheels, tires, lowering kits and lift kits designed to customize rides.
Aftermarket car parts are replacement parts that are not made by the original equipment manufacturer of the vehicle. The company was founded in 2001. They also have locations in Independence, Missouri, and St. Louis.
Aloha Pools – 187 & 141 Auto Court
The latest addition to the Auto Mall is Aloha Pools, currently renovating both the interior and exterior of their two properties. Plans also include a custom outdoor showroom to showcase their premium pool and spa products.
They plan to open July 8. Anderson said the city is currently working with them on their renovations. The 141 Auto Court spot was used as a paint booth, repair facility and photo booth to fix and promote the vehicles the dealers were going to sell.
The family-owned company, founded in 1969 in Tennessee, is now in eight states. It offers inground pools, above ground pools, semi-inground pools, spas, outdoor living furniture, water care, service and repairs, and more.
Q-Storage – 1690 New Car Drive
Q-Storage is progressing through the city’s approval process for a proposed self-storage facility requiring a planned use permit. The existing 15,500-square-foot structure will be expanded and converted into a modern 46,668-square-foot storage complex featuring 350 individual units.
Pending final council approval on Monday, June 2, the facility will include enhanced security features such as fencing, a security system, license plate readers, and controlled access between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. It will not be accessible 24 hours.
Applicant Kenny Buelterman plans to use the existing building and parking lot on 2.44 acres for a mini warehouse/self-storage facility. This building was formerly used for automotive sales and a repair bay.
He plans to build a 10,575-square-foot addition to the east of the existing building and a 25,925-square-foot addition to the west of the existing building.
Road To Be Repaved
The council recently approved design engineering services with Oates Associates for $34,060 for a patching project, as the roads need repair. Public Works Director Jeff Taylor said the existing concrete streets need to be patched in multiple locations.
The Capital Automotive Real Estate Investment Trust, based in Virginia, is the current owner of the auto mall property. They specialize in auto dealerships, and Jamie Auffenberg sold it to them.
The city’s Community Development Department has been working with the property owners to explore further options.
Auto Mall Development
The development of the St. Clair Auto Mall created several interior lots without frontage to Interstate 64 and Highway 50. Construction began on the auto mall in 1989, and the final structure was built in 2004.
It is surrounded by mostly commercial developments. To the east is Home Depot, Lincoln Crossing and Walmart. South is Aspen Dental, MedExpress, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Castle Acres, and west is Watson’s and Metro East Christian Church.
In March 2017, Auffenberg announced it would move to 36 acres on Frank Scott Parkway East, east of the Green Mount Crossing Shopping Center, behind Target, and adjacent to Interstate 64.
They struck a deal with the village of Shiloh, which offered them a sales tax rebate worth up to $14 million to move, and opened in July 2022. At that time, Auffenberg owners said manufacturers and franchisors wanted major updates, and the buildings and parking lots were inadequate.
Prior to Interstate 64 opening in the metro-east in 1975, that area of St. Clair County was mainly agricultural.