O’Fallon auto mall makeover continues with proposed equipment retailer
The sixth new business for the repurposed St. Clair Auto Mall could be approved by the O’Fallon City Council within the next month.
That would leave three spots remaining after Auffenberg left in 2022.
Scott’s Power Equipment, which has dealerships in Arnold, Bridgeton and Wentzville, Missouri, is the Midwest’s largest independent provider of commercial and residential lawn mowing and snow removal equipment.
The company is seeking rezoning at 1708 New Car Drive. The original location opened in 2001, and the company continues to be family owned and operated.
The rezoning application was submitted by Julie Fischer and seeks approval for a permanent outdoor display area within the existing parking lot.
The vacant 2.45-acre property was formerly used for vehicle sales at the Auffenberg dealership. It is on the north side of New Car Drive, which adjoins Auto Court to the west and is directly south of Interstate 64.
Seeking more space and updated, modern buildings that manufacturers now require, Auffenberg Dealer Group moved to a new auto mall on Frank Scott Parkway in Shiloh in July 2022. Ford, Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Nissan, Kia, Mazda and Volkswagen were part of the move, and a new Hyundai dealership was built nearby.
Auto mall taking shape
Tenants now include EquipmentShare, MERS Goodwill, Richline Motors, Aloha Pools and Q Storage.
“It’s been one of our priorities to fill the empty buildings and get some revenue back,” said Community Development Director Greg Anderson.
“It’s really important to get the right types of developments. We have really worked on getting certain types of business for the redevelopment, and it’s a good mix of properties. Plus, it is helping the job market in O’Fallon,” he said.
The auto mall remained empty until EquipmentShare’s plans were approved in 2024 and the company proceeded to renovate the first building. Earlier requests didn’t materialize. Gerber Collision and Glass, an auto body repair shop, withdrew its application, and Pintsch North America, which specializes in railroad safety, was to have relocated its light manufacturing and assembly operation from Marion, Illinois, there, but the German company selected Mascoutah instead.
MERS Goodwill (106 Auto Court): It opened a retail store and donation drop-off center in the former Kia dealership.
Goodwill Industries International supports a network of more than 150 local Goodwill organizations. MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries annually serves more than 11,000 individuals and currently operates 46 locations in 93 counties in the bi-state area.
Revenues from 44 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services, along with four Missouri-based locations of The Excel Center, free public high schools that give adults the opportunity to earn a high school diploma.
EquipmentShare (117 Auto Court): A construction technology and equipment rental company that offers a full range of construction and job site rental equipment. It completed a significant remodel of the existing building, which had been used for Auffenberg pre-owned vehicle sales and Allstate Insurance offices.
The company 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.
Richline Motorsports (129 Auto Court): A tire dealer and repair shop that provides a comprehensive selection of automotive performance and aesthetic products.
Specializing in automotive customization, Richline Motorsports offers an extensive collection of aftermarket accessories, wheels, tires, lowering kits and lift kits designed to customize vehicles.
Aloha Pools & Spas (105 Auto Court): The company 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): The existing 15,500-square-foot structure was expanded and converted into a modern 46,668-square-foot storage complex featuring 350 individual units. Controlled access is between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. It will not be accessible 24 hours a day.
The building was formerly used for automotive sales and a repair bay.
“We’re optimistic about the future and bringing in businesses that will continue to revitalize and enhance this important commercial corridor,” Anderson said.
The Capital Automotive Real Estate Investment Trust, based in Virginia, is the current owner of the auto mall property. The trust specializes in auto dealerships, and Jamie Auffenberg sold it the site.
The property is surrounded by mostly commercial developments. To the east are Home Depot, Lincoln Crossing and Walmart. To the south are Aspen Dental, MedExpress, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Castle Acres, and to the west are 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.
The group struck a deal with the village of Shiloh, which offered a sales tax rebate worth up to $14 million to move, and opened in July 2022.
Prior to Interstate 64 opening in the Metro East in 1975, that area of St. Clair County was mainly agricultural.