If rollout keeps to timeline, new motorcycle and ATV store will
open in June
San Benito County is getting a new national franchise in the
form of a Honda Powerhouse dealership that will sell everything
Honda, except cars and trucks.
When Dave Galtman, who is developing the project with Marty and
Mike Greenwood, started envisioning the project, they’d been
interested in starting a Kawasaki franchise, but when Honda called
them back, three years after they initially contacted them, they
leaped at the opportunity, Galtman said.
If rollout keeps to timeline, new motorcycle and ATV store will open in June
San Benito County is getting a new national franchise in the form of a Honda Powerhouse dealership that will sell everything Honda, except cars and trucks.
When Dave Galtman, who is developing the project with Marty and Mike Greenwood, started envisioning the project, they’d been interested in starting a Kawasaki franchise, but when Honda called them back, three years after they initially contacted them, they leaped at the opportunity, Galtman said.
Galtman cited Honda’s longevity in the industry, its large market share and the global brand recognition as compelling factors in the decision to go with the Japanese behemoth.
“The closest Honda facility like this is in Huntington Beach, and that’s half the size of the one we’re planning,” Galtman said.
The store will sell everything from motorcycles and scooters to quads and watercrafts – and even power equipment. Everything that Honda makes.
While the project is still in the planning stages, architect David Huboi has drafted the principal renderings and if the project is approved by the planning commission in June, the business could be built and open within six months.
“This should be something exciting for the town. It’s something new that will help out with jobs and tax revenue,” Galtman said.
The new business will be located where the Good Times Bowl bowling alley once stood. Huboi said that the design is one he and Honda had been working on for months. He said that while Honda doesn’t allow the design to stray too much from its adopted building design, he remains excited about the concept. The project includes a comprehensive external and internal remodel of the former bowling alley. The dilapidated interior will be situated with new windows and the exterior will include new landscaping as well as fresh coats of paint.
“The building was just sitting there, empty; it’s in a great location and it’s totally visible from Highway 25. It kind of fell into our laps. It’s gonna be a big, beautiful building,” Galtman said.
In November the Hollister Redevelopment Agency board agreed to loan Galtman and the Greenwoods up to $1.5 million toward remodeling the former bowling alley to meet Honda’s design requirements. With the RDA on board, Honda was satisfied and the project went forward. Galtman said he was not aware of the loan structure the partners struck with the RDA.
The total estimated cost for the project is thought to be around $1.75 million.
