Ever since Bridgeport resident Dan Cava acquired the property that formally housed the Johnson Center Plaza on the corner of Lodgeville Road and Johnson Avenue, the speculation that eventually there would be a car lot of some kind located there. Considering Cava is the owner/operator of the highly success Dan Cava Toyota World in Marion County, there was obvious reason for the speculation.

 

Earlier this week, the speculation came to an end. And it should be noted that most of the speculation was correct.

 

Cava confirmed that the two acres commercially zoned site will host a certified use car store. It will mark the second used car store in Cava’s inventory as he has used car business less than a mile from the Dan Cava World location in Marion County. In the end, Cava said it came back to doing what he knows.

 

“The one and only thing I know how to do well is to sell cars,” said Cava. “That was always the reason in the back of my mind for buying the location. To be honest, for the purpose of selling cars, you can’t find a better location.”

 

Although no building permits have been issued, Cava – through his contractor – did acquire a demolition permit on July 28 to remove the existing concrete at the site.  The work is estimated to cost $5,000. RDR Energy Resources, LLC of Clarksburg is the contractor handling the concrete removal.

 

Cava said he will do everything to make the site look as nice as possible. Even though he hasn’t completed plans, he said it’s safe to call the project a “multi-million dollar” investment.

 

“I’d like for it to be done as soon as possible, but once we get started I’m anticipating it will take a year to build,” said Cava. “I will make sure this is going to be a very nice building and the site itself is going to look nice with an emphasis on green space. I guarantee you that it’s not going to be a giant asphalt jungle.”

 

The site allows Cava to have plenty of cars available. He said he estimates that he can put 150 to 200 cars on that location.

 

“It’s nice to be able to do something like this in the city you live in. It also allows me to practically roll out of bed and be at work,” Cava said with a laugh. “That’s a pretty good thing too.”

 

The property in question formerly housed the aforementioned plaza. On April 17, 2013, a major structure fire laid waste to the plaza that had been there for decades.  Cava eventually acquired the property and in September of last year acquired a demolition permit to bring the remnants of the Johnson Center Plaza down.

 

At that time, Cava said the site could have a car dealership on it. However, he said he was leaving his mind open for anything. Now, his mind has been made up.

 

Editor's Note: The old Johnson Center Plaza sign still remains, while the vacant lot - pictured below - will soon see a flurry of activity. In the background is the building that will house the new Total Dental offices and a Subway.