An Akron business that has been hitting on all cylinders over the course of four decades is about to put its investment into overdrive to bring more jobs to Akron’s west side and create another new showplace at Five Points.

Dave Walter Motors, Incorporated is prepared to invest another $3.5 million to develop a two-acre parcel at 500 West Exchange Street to create a new home for and expand the BMW dealership he has operated here since 1976.

In a Letter of Understanding with the City of Akron, Dave Walter Motors has committed to constructing a facility of at least 22,000 square feet for its new auto dealership by this November. The company also has pledged to create an additional 15 jobs within the next three years. The development agreement is subject to approval by the City of Akron Planning Commission and Akron City Council.

Mayor Don Plusquellic says the City has worked tirelessly over the past decade to fight a nationwide trend that has seen auto dealerships flee urban areas. "Dealerships have long been under pressure from auto manufacturers to pick up stakes and move to giant auto malls outside of urban areas. We have done everything possible to retain these jobs and services in the core of our city where they are needed. I have to commend Dave Walter for his commitment over the years. It has made a marked difference in the fortunes of this part of our community," said the mayor.

Dave Walter says it is cooperation that has made this happen. "Without the good working relationship that the city and my company have enjoyed over the years, we would not be in a position to be making this kind of move. I am thrilled with the success we have had in Akron and am really excited to expand right here at our current campus," said Walter.

Ward 3 Councilman and Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville has seen Walter’s investments over the years stabilize the neighborhood. "I have seen this area bolstered by the investments made by Dave Walter, the Akron Zoo and the Balch Street development projects. These contributions bring jobs and stability to a part of the community that has a great need," said Sommerville.

Walter’s BMW and Volkswagen dealerships opened 28 years ago on a parcel along the west side of Exchange Street near Maple Street. His VW store is now across the street from that location; the BMW dealership is in its original spot. He and his son David opened a Land Rover store next door at Cedar and Maple streets in 1997.

With the new location for the BMW dealership just west of the current on the southwest corner of Maple and Exchange, Dave Walter’s campus will now cover six acres and reflect a total investment of roughly $9 million.

Walter’s business won the Take Pride in Akron Award from Keep Akron Beautiful in 2002. Keep Akron Beautiful Director Paula Davis said, "Dave’s new VW showroom on the east side of Exchange at Maple won because of how he had totally recycled that block of our community. The before-and-after impact his work has had on this inner city block is remarkable." And Walter plans more, lush landscaping for the new store.

As for the future of the current BMW site, Walter will only say that we should keep our eyes on that spot. "Something else exciting and totally unique to this industry will be arriving here soon that I promise will turn heads," said Walter. Keep watching.

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