The owner of the Bentley/Maserati Alfa Romeo luxury auto dealership under construction in Southside still plans to open in mid-April.
“At this time, we have not been impacted, and there are no delays,” Murgado Automotive Group Inc. President and CEO Mario Murgado said by email March 18.
“Having said that, these are unprecedented times and a very fluid time with many things out of our control,” he said.
Murgado said that what is important now “is the well-being of our country, state, communities and families, that is my main focus.”
“As we navigate through these uncharted waters, we want to operate from a position of facts vs. fear, preparation over panic,” said Murgado, based in Miami.
“I assure you as an immigrant who loves this country and have made my life here, I have great faith in America, this will pass and we will emerge stronger, wiser and more appreciative.”
Murgado was born in Cuba and fled the country with his family in 1965 as a communist government took hold.
He said that he will monitor the COVID-19 situation and act accordingly.
“Please stay safe, and we can’t wait to open and officially become a part of the community,” he said.
The city issued a permit Sept. 18 for the dealership at a construction cost of almost $11 million.
The dealership comprises showrooms and service facilities at 7137 Bonneval Road, off Interstate 95.
Miami-based Brickell Motors and Miami Automotive Retail bought the property in February through MNAR-Real Estate Holdings LLC for $3.36 million.
Murgado said previously that Bentley will operate on one side of the dealership and Maserati and Alfa Romeo on the other.
Bentley is a luxury British car while Maserati and Alfa Romeo are Italian brands that are owned by FCA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Bentley prices start near $200,000. Prices start about $80,000 for Maserati and under $40,000 for Alfa Romeo.
The 9-acre site includes lots for more development, such as a hotel, restaurant and retail uses.
A four-story, 122-room WoodSpring Suites extended-stay hotel is planned on 3.13 acres near Bentley.
