Used car dealership returns historic building in McHenry to former use

McHENRY – A used car dealership recently moved to a larger 10,000-square-foot facility near Routes 120 and 31 in McHenry.

The relocation of Next Auto Sales means the historic, but vacant, building at 1112 N. Front St. will be returned to its former use when Overton Cadillac occupied the building in the late 1940s, Economic Development Director Doug Martin said.

The interior of the building has been painted with Route 66-themed murals by local artist Paul Meyer, who included license plates, gas station logos and a map showing the route from McHenry to Los Angeles, California, owner Randy Jeschke said.

“The whole goal is to make it a comfortable setting for everyone,” the McHenry resident said, adding he’s had people who bought cars at the location in the 1960s come in just to take look and absorb the feeling.

The renovations bring “a nice atmosphere to Front Street” and adds “a lot of visual stimulation” to the area, Martin said, adding that it’s great to see a business expand and at the same time revitalize a building to its former use.

Jeschke, who said he’s been in the industry for 31 years, first opened his own used car dealership in late 2013 at 3706 W. Elm St., where he used a 12-by-30-foot former photo kiosk as an office, according to a news release.

Jeschke estimated he sold 340 cars at his old location standing up because his office was so small.

The new, larger location allows him to keep double the inventory on hand – about 85 vehicles in stock, with cars and trucks ranging from $2,500 to $30,000, the release stated. The cars are inspected and come with a 4,500-mile, powertrain warranty, something that Jeschke said makes him different from his competitors.

Some of the cars are classic, including a neo-classic 1995 Zimmer, Jeschke said, adding that he’s more of a truck guy himself.

Next Auto Sales needs final approval from the McHenry City Council to have an outdoor sales lot, as well as an exemption from the city’s parking and loading zone requirements, Martin said.

The dealership has temporary approval through the end of the month so that it can operate.

The proposal was well received at the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, Martin said.

The council is set to vote on the matter at its Feb. 15 meeting, he said.

The business employs five full-time staff members, the release said. A grand opening is planned for the spring.