Gettel starts work on Toyota Scion of Lakewood

Sarasota-based Gettel Automotive Co. started construction for a Toyota dealership in east Manatee County.

Gettel purchased the 19.2 acres at the corner of State Road 64 and Cypress Creek Boulevard several years ago. It's now developing the Toyota Scion of Lakewood on the land.

The 78,000-square-foot dealership is scheduled for completion in a year. The facility will feature both new and used car sales as well as a complete service center and wholesale and retail parts.

Sarasota-based Kellogg & Kimsey is the contractor for the project. Site work has already started and workers will soon begin filling most of the parcel to elevate it by three to four feet.

The project will cost at least $8.5 million, on top of the roughly $13.5 million Gettel paid for the land. The dealership will create 80 jobs in its first year and up to 120 over five years.

Jim Gettel, owner of the dealership, says Toyota Motor Sales USA completed a market study four years ago that revealed the need for a dealership in east Manatee County. He was awarded the franchise and purchased the land in January, 2007.

Construction was delayed by permitting issues and because of design changes forced by the economic downturn, says Gettel Chief Operating Officer Bob Bisplinghoff.

— reporting by contributor Pam Eubanks