Richardson City Council unanimously approved a four-year special permit on June 8, allowing Solow Garage to remain in its current business location in the Interurban area. The city seeks to move the area away from automotive businesses long-term and establish an ‘edgy and eclectic district with a focus on adaptive reuse.’

Long-term Vision

Senior planner Derica Peters said the city’s long-term vision for the district around Interurban Street is to transition from a predominantly automobile-centered corridor to a design district. Property owner Stephen Graham with Simple Development Partners, who recently purchased several buildings and vacant lots on Interurban, supported the garage’s permit as he presented plans to transform the Interurban area.

Solow Garage is an authorized BMW collision repair center that has operated in the building under previous owners since 2012. Owner Salvador Govea said Solow Garage is one of four BMW collision centers in the Dallas area, a certification that requires advanced training, specialized tools, manufacturing oversight, and high repair standards.

Future Development

Graham said he has already begun reducing the amount of auto use in the corridor, including by reducing Solow Garage’s space from 30,000 square feet to less than 10,000 square feet. However, Graham said he believes Solow Garage still has a place on Interurban. Approving the special permit will not lock in the area as an auto corridor, Graham says, but allows an existing business to generate revenue and stability throughout future development.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.