Bismarck Tribune - News » Columnists » Reid - Car dealerships undergo updates

Car dealerships undergo updates

Aug 19, 2007 - 04:03:45 CDT

A few things on the car sales front last week: Ressler Chevrolet opened a new recondition center in Mandan, and Stan Puklich Chevrolet recently remodeled its showrooms in Bismarck.

The Ressler Detail Center, 105 Mandan Ave. NE, can accommodate up to 11 vehicles and employs 16 workers. It's open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The remodel at Puklich, on 3701 State St., which had its grand re-opening last week, updated its exterior and interior showroom facility for a more "modern feel."

Topping off gas

Speaking of cars, last week, North Dakota's gas prices nearly topped prices in the continental United States again.

In the middle of the week, nationwide gas prices were at $2.76 a gallon for regular unleaded, while prices in North Dakota averaged $2.94.

Although that's a 33-cent difference from 30 days prior, that still put the state at No. 4 in the continental U.S. for gas prices, according to information from AAA North Dakota. New York, Connecticut and Montana topped the list.

Bismarck prices have stayed at a consistent $2.89 for at least a couple of weeks, however. Fargo-Moorhead prices averaged about $2.84 a gallon and Grand Forks averaged $2.93 a gallon by the middle of the week, according to reports from AAA.

Mandan news

The Mandan City Commission recently heard a potential time line for the construction and opening of the new Family Dollar store and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

According to Ellen Huber, who heard the consideration of the developer's application for Renaissance zone benefits, the developer would like to get started with construction in September and have the stores ready by the end of February 2008.

"It will really help fill in our gap in the community for general merchandise,"Huber said. "There's a misconception that (Family Dollar)is a dollar store. They're more like a Pamida, or more of a competitor of Kmart."

Gateway's changes

The exterior construction is about to begin on Gateway Mall, said property manager Cheryl Hansen.

The remodel includes complete refacing with new lighting and a new facade, as well as raising the elevation of the exterior of the building. Colors will be "prairie hues,"Hansen said, with warm greens, browns and golds.

The project will add about six retail spaces at 900 square feet each, Hansen said. She's waiting until the project is complete before she begins leasing them.

Gateway has undergone quite a few changes since its new owner took over more than a year ago; the total remodel of the mall, including marble floors, new spaces and new tenants.

Correction

Last week, in the "Downtown News"section of my column, I incorrectly identified an architecture studio. The correct name of the studio is J2 Studio Architecture + Design, not J.T. Studio Architecture Plus Design. They have two architects, James and Janell Devine, with specialties in commercial, residential, retail, industrial and educational design, and are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or crystal.reid@;bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Rob wrote on Aug 23, 2007 9:47 PM:

" Ahhhhh.... Puklichs just spent $$$$$$ on their big re-model...and Schwan's a couple years back... and Barth's are building their new Saturn store (Saturn is a division of GM) just curious why GM wouldn't let these dealerships spend all of this money on re-modles and new buildings if they intend to pull the plug on all of them in order to build a GM super store...I kind of doubt this will happen anytime soon. "

GM in Bismarck wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:30 PM:

" I have heard plans are in the works for a state of the art GM showcase store which would handle all of GM'S products. This operation would be located in BISMARCK. So those products would once again be avaliable in Bismarck. "

Magi wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:50 PM:

" I guess I wasn't aware it was illegal or unethical to own a business in one town and live in another. So should the owners of the Taco John's businesses in the western part of the state be required to have a home in each town it has a store in? Maybe I'm missing something, but I see nothing wrong with owning a business in Mandan and living in Bismarck, or owning a business in Bismarck, and living in Mandan. How many people work at businesses in Bismarck, but chose to live and pay property taxes in Mandan. Should we scrutinize them also and ask them to stay in Mandan? Of course not. This bickering about who owns what and lives where is pretty silly. "

Carl wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:14 PM:

" I agree with Herb. It was a discussion on Mandan gaining dealerships (not to mention a Dollar Store and O'Reilys) and suddenly it turned into a Bis vs Man. I also agree with you Herb on the owners living in Bismarck but owning a business in Mandan. I have always thought Mandan to be very pro-Mandan business. Each doing business with each other to foster growth. I know a Pepsi sales manager who uses the "Mandan-needs-to-support-Mandan-businesses" when he does his sales routine, all the time. Funny thing though, he lives in Bismarck!!!!!!!! "

Herb wrote on Aug 21, 2007 10:22 AM:

" I don't see anyone on this post whining or complaing about Bismarck vs. Mandan. The posts it appears to me are aimed at the Mandan people who are always complaining that Mandan never gets any new businesses, etc. The posts are just saying "hey Mandan, quit whining, you are getting some of Bismarck's businesses." "

Shopper wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:18 AM:

" People living in Bismarck shouldn't complain about having to purchase items they need in Mandan. We in Mandan don't have much choice but to go to Bismarck to shop when it comes to clothing. If it was not for Mandan people, Bismarck stores wouldn't survive. We both need each other. "

nikki wrote on Aug 20, 2007 11:16 PM:

" I cannot believe the things people complain about. Who cares about money going from Bismarck to Mandan or vice versa. The state is growing and we need to learn to deal with the changes. Why are Bismarck people always again the Mandan people? There are alot more important things to worry about. Stop whinning and enjoy life, you only live once. "

TaxableSales wrote on Aug 20, 2007 9:58 AM:

" to Herb: yeah, but it is no different than Wal-mart in Bismarck or any other national chain store...the stores are in Bismarck, but the money leaves Bismarck the same day. You have to remember though that the towns themselves benefit from the taxable sales...those stay and are reflected in our towns sales and benefit the community in the end. So again, KTM, Saturn, Buick-olds-caddy...now benefit Mandan instead of Bismarck. "

herb wrote on Aug 19, 2007 7:32 PM:

" it's too bad the owners of the car dealerships (mentioned in a prior comment) are residents of Bismarck. I guess the money is coming to our side but leaving right away. "

Mandan wrote on Aug 19, 2007 6:29 PM:

" How about the KTM motor cycle dealership that just moved over from Bismarck! Things are better then some want us to think...although it would be nice to buy some clothes in town. "

MandanBusinesses wrote on Aug 19, 2007 9:49 AM:

" Seems like people are always complaining that nothing happens in Mandan, but Mandan is gaining 2 of Bismarcks auto dealerships. Schwann's took over Whilhelm's GM dealership, and Barth's took over Whilhelm's Saturn dealership, so Bismarck loses to Mandan. We now have to travel to Mandan to buy our Buicks, Caddy's and Saturns. People underestimate, but that is a lot of dollars that will now be pumped into the Mandan economy with each car purchase. I will be a part of the Bismarck drain, as I am buying another new Buick...but this time it will be in Mandan. "

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