The official start of construction on the new 35,000 square-foot Mercedes-Benz facility destined for 295 Burnett Road, home of the former Plantation Inn, ceremoniously began yesterday. A ground-breaking ceremony was held at noon Wednesday on the property.

“We are very proud and excited that this day has arrived. We look forward to serving the greater Pioneer Valley, Western Massachusetts, Northwestern Connecticut and beyond from our proud home in Chicopee, MA.” – Springfield Automotive Partners, Rich Hesse and Peter Wirth

In attendance were the owners of this new Mercedes dealership, Rich Hesse, Amy Hesse, Peter Wirth, and Michelle Wirth along with numerous state and local officials such as the Mayor of Chicopee, Richard J. Kos, State Representatives Thomas Petrolati and Michael Finn among others.

“The project will remove a vacant building filled with hazardous materials and attract new jobs.” says Mayor Kos. “The company is initially expected to hire 30 people but that number is expected to expand as the business grows.”– Mayor Kos

Rich and Peter presented updated renderings of the dealership exterior and gave those in attendance an idea of the future footprint of the dealership in relation to the hotel as it stands today. They hired BETA Group, Inc. to assist with the demolition oversight and site/civil engineering needs on the project.
Asbestos abatement is nearing completion and demolition is expected to be completed in October. Construction of the new dealership will commence shortly thereafter. The Mercedes-Benz car dealership is scheduled to open in the summer of 2017.

Springfield Automotive Partners, LLC is a Delaware based company and the proud owners of the new dealership to be located in Chicopee, MA.