In the fall of 2024, the owner of an auto shop in Mt. Washington contacted Grisanti Group Commercial Real Estate (Nick to be specific) about listing around 2,500 SF of excess space in the building for lease.
The shop was doing well, but had some showroom space that was under used, and the owner sought a tenant to fill the space to generate additional income. It is never a bad idea for a property owner to be thinking of ways to increase revenue.
I thought the excess showroom space had some potential as a retail storefront, but even more so was impressed by the overall building. To a small shop industrial broker, there is something beautiful about a well-maintained and functional industrial building. This one was a lovely. 80’x100′. About 14′ ceilings. Multiple large overhead doors, bright and clean shop area, and a well-appointed waiting area/showroom. Auto repair can be dirty, but this shop had zero signs of any oil spills or contamination. It also had light industrial zoning, one level heavier than needed for auto repair, meaning lots of potential for different uses, like contractor shops, light assembly, and warehousing.
I took the listing and set about finding a tenant. But I also posed the question to the owner…what price would you sell it for?
He gave me a confidential number, and we agreed that the sale would not be advertised publicly, but I could inform potential buyers that it could be bought.
Sure enough, after advertising the property for lease without much traction, I saw a “wants and needs” post on KCREA about an auto mechanic looking to purchase a shop. I reached out to the broker and confidentially provided the info about this property and a price.
They were interested.
We commenced negotiating and had a lot of terms to cover. The owner needed to continue the auto repair business operations, and did not want the sale process to disrupt his business or employees, especially if the buyer pulled out of the deal. We worked out agreements such as specific after-hour times when inspections could occur, what equipment was included in the sale, and a post-closing move-out period for the seller.
Once under contract, the deal ran smoothly and closed in the summer of 2025. Now, the shop has a new name and new owners. It’s still a great industrial building that they are going to enjoy for a long time.
I knew from the beginning it was a building meant to be sold.