German Motor Works is set to add an additional bay door after Richardson City Council unanimously approved a zoning request July 31.
The auto shop proposed several site improvements that council members said would help enhance the Buckingham Place shopping center.
The overview
German Motor Works has been operating since 1996, offering engine diagnostics, brake repair, transmission service, air-conditioning repair, oil changes and routine maintenance. The shop specializes in BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other German models.
All services in the auto shop are performed indoors in two service areas. Only one service area is accessible from the rear of the property, which city planner Christine Ross said causes operational inefficiencies.
Structural alteration of the building is not currently allowed under the repair shop’s zoning, so the business requested clearance from the city to add a second overhead bay door to connect to the service area, located next to the existing bay door.
A closer look
German Motor Works also proposed several site improvements, including planting a hedge of evergreen shrubs, two canopy trees and two ornamental trees along S. Plano Road.
Council approved the zoning request along with another requirement for the auto shop to remove two yellow signs from the back side of the building in order to “make it look a little less congested on the signage,” Mayor Amir Omar said.
“That will clean it up, since we are trying to enhance this area as much as possible,” council member Curtis Dorian said. “Anything we could do to soften it up and bring a little nicer drive-by appeal would be great.”
