Rod Baker Ford Dealership Will Expand, Move To New Location

PLAINFIELD, IL — Rod Baker Ford will open a new dealership on Route 59 in Plainfield, according to an agreement approved by the Plainfield Village Board during its July 6 meeting.

The new and expanded dealership will give one percent of its gross receipts from sale of cars to the village, as per an economic incentive agreement. In exchange, the village will partially reimburse Rod Baker Ford for costs it incurs related to the construction of the dealership. It will also pay in part for the improvements along Route 59 and Joseph Ave. intersection, up to a maximum of $2 million.

The $2 million tax rebate will start the date the dealership opens to the public and it will expire in 20 years or an earlier date upon which Rod Baker Ford receives the total reimbursement. The agreement also requires that Rod Baker Ford must open, operate and generate tax revenue no later than Dec. 31, 2023.

According to findings of the corporate authorities of the Village of Plainfield:

• The property on which the dealership will be built has remained vacant for more than five years.
• The construction of the Automobile Dealership is expected to create job opportunities within Plainfield and further the economic activity in the adjacent areas by stimulating Route 59 corridor.
• The construction o will enhance the tax base of the village through increased property tax.

The area was originally approved as a lifestyle-type retail center in 2004, but a change in the retail landscape necessitated a new planned development, according to Jonathan Proulx, director of planning for the village.

The village considered the application for a special use permit for a major change to the Prairie Creek Planned Development located on Route 59, South of Joseph Avenue, based on the following:

• The special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate area.
• The establishment of the special use will not impede normal and orderly development and improvement of the adjacent properties.

Since the project is years away, it has not been determined if the dealership will close its current operations at 16101 S. Lincoln Highway once the new building opens on Route 59. The new building will be approximately 55,000 square feet with vehicle display/inventory parking for 676 cars, 37 customer parking spaces,198 spaces for vehicle servicing and 75 spaces for employee parking.

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