Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Green Toyota officially kicked off a major expansion and renovation project Monday morning that aims to improve both the customer and employee experience while employing local tradespeople.

The $11 million project will modernize and expand Green Toyota’s facilities at 3901 Wabash Ave. with upgrades to the showroom, service areas, and customer amenities.

Green Toyota Managing Partner Mylas Copeland said the project has been two years in the making. “Everything inside will be completely different from the current dealership. “When it’s done, we hope to deliver one of the newest, best designed and most interactive Toyota stores in the state.”

The new plan calls for an expansion of 31 feet to the south. Copeland said they also will move the current car wash from inside the building to a stand-alone design that is separate yet attached. He said that allows customers to have their cars cleaned at their convenience.

The expansion will add staff across all departments, including sales, service, finance, and management. The dealership will introduce state-of-the-art facilities, including a climate-controlled shop, new locker rooms modeled after NCAA facilities, and an interactive conference training room.

Customers will benefit from upgraded lounges, waiting areas, and workstations, along with amenities such as a high-end cappuccino machine and a Pepsi product dispenser.

The project will also increase inventory, bringing nearly 1,000 additional Toyota vehicles over the next three years. Copeland said this expansion will provide customers with the largest selection of Toyotas south of Interstate 80.

Mayor Misty Buscher was among the many dignitaries present at Monday’s groundbreaking. Buscher thanked Copeland for utilizing local labor and also highlighted the project’s economic value to the community. “It’s important to realize that the new projects going into our community are important, but so are the ones like this that are spending 11 million dollars on an expansion and renovation.”

While construction is underway, sales operations will temporarily relocate to the Volkswagen Audi showroom next door. The service department will remain open with walk-in parts counter sales available.

The project is expected to be completed in about 12 months.