Developers of West Pace Village off Interstate 85 at Exit 51 hope to build a project to make Auburn proud, but it might take a while.

Plans for the development include hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, car dealerships, a movie theater and a convention center, Auburn developer Tom Hayley said, displaying plans in his office.

It could be seven to 10 years before the entire project is finished, Hayley said.

The development will be built in phases. The first phase, which has already started, will be a group of six auto dealerships.

“Nissan poured their slab (this week), and Toyota will be the next one,” Hayley said. “We’re moving right along.”

Local Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet and Cadillac dealerships have already committed, he said.

Hayley said he hopes to have the first phase finished within six months.

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According to the Planning Commission’s May 8 meeting agenda, they are hosting a public hearing in regards to a Waffle House being built at 110 West Glenn (where the old Daylight Donuts building currently exists). They are recommending to the city council (which will probably be on the agenda May 20) to approve this item.

The details are found on page 40 of the May 8 Planning Commission Packet.

Finally, a Waffle House that people visiting downtown at night will not have to drive to!

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Selzer Automotive, LP announced plans to locate its first North American based facility in Auburn at The Alabama-Germany Partnership 10th Anniversary Celebration held in Huntsville on Thursday, April 24. The new facility will be located in Auburn Technology Park West, located off of Beehive Road, Auburn, AL. Initially, the company will bring a $22 million capital investment to the Auburn economy and create 80 new jobs. Selzer is the first US venture for Germany-based Selzer Fertigungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, parent company of Selzer Automotive, LP.

Governor Bob Riley was joined by Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. and company officials to make the announcement at the event Thursday night in Huntsville.
“Alabama is making such tremendous strides, and this announcement helps us continue our progress,” said Governor Riley. “Selzer is a world-class company joining the ranks of 57 other German-based manufacturers that have located in Alabama. This company could’ve gone virtually anywhere in the nation, but they chose Alabama and we are proud to be their partner in bringing more economic opportunities to our citizens.”

Selzer has been a renowned name in precision engineering for more than 80 years, developing and manufacturing metal components and subassemblies for gearboxes, engines, braking systems, and professional electrical power tools. Based out of Driedorf-Roth, Germany, Selzer employs more than 600 people at its German and Brazilian locations and is one of the foremost suppliers for the automotive and electrical power tool industries.

In its first phase of production, the Auburn location will produce and assemble transmission components for a dual-clutch system for the US-based automotive industry. Dual-clutch systems improve driving performance and provide better gas mileage than traditional clutch systems.

“After an extensive search and site selection process involving 27 locations in 7 states throughout the Southeast, we are pleased to announce the location of our first US facility in Auburn, AL,” said Hans-Joachim Selzer, Authorized Signatory of the Selzer Companies.

Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. commented, “On behalf of the citizens of Auburn, I would like to welcome Selzer to their new home in Auburn Technology Park West. At a time when many cities nationwide are losing industry, we are fortunate to be able to announce the location of a new business with such a significant capital investment and job creation. Over the last several months, we have enjoyed getting to know the Selzer family during the recruitment process and we look forward to welcoming them to Auburn.”

Construction of Selzer’s new facility will begin in summer 2008. Company officials are currently utilizing the Auburn Center for Developing Industries (ACDI), located at 1500 Pumphrey Avenue in Auburn, until their permanent facility is complete. For more information on Selzer please visit www.selzer-automotive.com or contact the City of Auburn Economic Development Department at (334) 501-7270.

Source: City of Auburn Website

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The South College Street building that recently housed Hooters will soon be a new sports-themed restaurant.

Hooters closed several weeks ago. Lane Powell, communications director for Landlord Hayley-Redd Development, said he thought Hooters corporate had some issues with the franchisee.

That wasn’t the case, said Alexis Aleshire, Hooters corporate public relations manager.

“Corporate didn’t close them down,” Aleshire said. “The franchisee who owns the restaurant wasn’t happy with the restaurant, so they’re looking to relocate. It’s probably going to take a while before they rebuild another store. We don’t have any specific dates.”

Bogies Bar and Grill is scheduled to open Feb. 25, food and beverage director Brandon Metcalf said.

The restaurant is the second of its kind and takes its name after the original in Montgomery, which is located next to a golf course.

The new restaurant at 1651 S. College St. has no links to Hooters. Like Hooters, Bogies will have wing specials, but the colors and ownership is different, Metcalf said.

“It looks entirely different inside,” he said. “We put carpet down and remodeled inside. It’s really nice. It’ll be a fun place.”

The restaurant will serve a full menu, including steaks, seafood and appetizers, and a beverage license is on the city council’s agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.

Source: Opelika-Auburn News

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Auburn’s newest retailer, Sam’s Club, will hold its official grand opening on Thursday, January 17 at 9:45 a.m. Citizens are encouraged to use the Glenn Avenue entrance for Sam’s Club until construction at Exit 57-Bent Creek Interchange is completed. The new Glenn Avenue traffic light at the Sam’s Club entrance is now fully operational and ready for use.

Source: AuburnAlabama.org

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