Auto Sales Company Absorbs and Repositions Obsolete Retail
Big-Box Property


CHALLENGE
Gates Auto needed to find a new facility where they could open one of the
largest indoor car showrooms in the Midwest. Given that Wisconsin is a cold
weather state for roughly half the year, the ability to bring the car buying
process almost completely indoors is a game-changer, both protecting the
vehicles and shielding the customers from frigid Wisconsin winters.


ACTION
Gates Auto leadership approached Bill Mears and Adam Shultz of Coldwell
Banker Commercial McGuire Mears & Associates in early 2020 to assist in
scouring the Janesville and Beloit markets for potential sites. After months of
negotiating purchases on multiple properties to no avail, Mears and Shultz
expanded their search north toward the outlying Madison areas. They identified
a former Shopko and neighboring strip center in Columbus next to an
intersection with the heavily traveled US Hwy 151, which would be a premier
location that fell well within budget.


RESULTS
• Gates Auto acquired both the 35,000 square foot former Shopko and
neighboring 10,000 square foot strip center.
• The vacant, incomplete strip center was finished off as a smaller indoor
showroom and sales office.
• The former Shopko will be renovated into one of the largest indoor car
showrooms in the Midwest.


"Adam searched relentlessly until we found the correct location to deliver our unique
concept to the surrounding Madison market. The entire sales process was handled
efficiently and professionally from start to finish and we could not be any happier to join
and be part of the Columbus retail community.”
- Troy Gates, Owner, Gates Auto