NORWALK - Norwalk Toyota received approval from the Norwalk Planning Commission this week to begin work on extensive upgrades, including an expanded showroom and sales area, facade improvements and new signs.According to plans submitted to the city for review, the dealership plans to construct a new office and car delivery area, a new patio and canopy, and a renovated showroom. Norwalk Toyota, which actually sits on three properties and has 14 total buildings, will expand its main sales building from 13,975 square feet to more than 21,000 square feet. Grass along the northwest corner of the property - near Imperial Highway and Orr & Day Road - will be replaced with concrete pavers so the dealer can park display vehicles near the intersection. Four 12-ft. light poles will be installed, plans show. The dealership's exterior will also be remodeled to comply with Toyota's new image program. The main Toyota entry area will be 24 feet tall with glass panels featuring red and white trim. The Scion entryway measures nearly 21 feet tall with black composite panels. The Toyota brand name, Toyota logo, "Norwalk" dealer name and "service" sign will each be illuminated. To guard against graffiti, wall and building surfaces will be treated with graffiti resistant product. Planning commissioners followed the advice of city planners and unanimously approved the construction plans. "Overall, staff believes that the proposed improvements will be an enhancement to the intersection and will provide an aesthetic improvement to the existing site by upgrading the building facade and signs while allowing for additional vehicle display and sales area," community development director Kurt Anderson wrote in a staff report.

********** Published: September 13, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 22