The demolition of the former Roadhouse Restaurant building at Panorama Plaza in Penfield signals significant changes. AutoZone, a leading auto parts retailer, is moving into 1635 Penfield Road, bringing a Fortune 500 company to the area. This article explores the developments at Panorama Plaza and the arrival of AutoZone in Penfield.
AutoZone’s Arrival and Plaza Improvements
JADD Property Management & Development Co. and Annaly Capital Management, Inc., the new owners of Panorama Plaza since November 2014, are driving these changes. They aim to enhance the plaza to improve shopper and business owner satisfaction, mirroring improvements at their other properties like Culver Ridge Plaza. AutoZone, with over $8.1 billion in annual sales, will be a major addition to the plaza. Founded by J.R. “Pitt” Hyde III, AutoZone operates on a supermarket model: clean, organized stores with accessible products, excellent service, and high customer satisfaction. With a presence in 49 states, D.C., Mexico, Brazil, and Puerto Rico, and over 65,000 employees, AutoZone brings considerable retail experience to Penfield.
Penfield Town Hall Involvement and Approvals
The establishment of AutoZone at Panorama Plaza involved multiple Penfield Town Hall organizations:
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Zoning Board: Reviewed and approved the building permit submitted in June 2014, ensuring compliance with local regulations. This process is crucial for any new construction project in Penfield.
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Board of Appeals: Granted approval for AutoZone’s signage and surrounding property designs, requesting enhancements to the building’s facade and the addition of more greenery to enhance the aesthetics of the location.
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Planning Board: Analyzed the final site plan, considering the potential impact of construction on neighboring properties. Town Planner Zack Nersinger, with over three years of experience on the board, has been involved in AutoZone discussions since May 2014, contributing valuable insight to the project. Their meticulous review process ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding community.
Change and its Impact on Penfield
While change can be challenging, affecting both previous business owners and customers, it also paves the way for new opportunities. The arrival of AutoZone in Penfield marks a significant shift in the local retail landscape.
The changes at Panorama Plaza and the addition of AutoZone promise improved services and convenience for customers. These developments represent a positive step towards revitalizing the area and providing valuable resources to the Penfield community.
