Minneapolis Service Center!

[rmayii]

So my theory is that the current resident in the photo (you stalker!) is moving or going out of business, and they have a vehicle lift, so the property is a really good choice. Proving this theory would involve poking around commercial real estate listings on the [MLS] Moore Listing Service (which is based out of Minneapolis, coincidentally).

Not really stalking, just using Google Maps and the address which had pictures available :wink:

Agree totally that rental/purchase of an existing service center would be a VERY wise investment as they would be able to start-up almost immediately upon occupancy...new signage could come later.

As for showroom locations, I'm still sticking with Galleria as it has a high volume of the desired target audience. I'd throw in 50th & France shopping district as another long-shot possibility if we're moving away from true shopping centers. Again, large volume of the desired target audience. Well, that and the fact that it's only a few blocks from my home

 

[J in MN]

Mod note: this post and several others were moved here, from the Minnesota Tesla Owners Club thread

I heard they just finished putting down the epoxy and the walls are going up!

Really? I drove past a few weeks ago, and all I saw was a sign saying "LaValley's Automotive Repair opening July 11th".

 

[Zythryn]

Really? I drove past a few weeks ago, and all I saw was a sign saying "LaValley's Automotive Repair opening July 11th".

If it were not for a very surreal day (tornado siren test while we have a winter storm) I would drive by today to check it out.
However, I do believe LaValley's has been there for some time?

 

[Vexar]

I will go by tonight. I will report back if there is anything to report, otherwise, I will report nothing.

 

[J in MN]

Still only a LaValley's sign on the building, but there is something going on in the south corner.
Lots of drywall, some Skyjacks, empty soda tins, and drawings on a table, at least one of which has what appears to be a Tesla logo.

 

[Vexar]

Little indication

I drove by the address, again. I noticed painter's tape on the bottom of the garage door labeled "1" and two sheets of paper inside, taped to the window. One listed tenants and did not list Tesla at all. Another had a paragraph I couldn't read and two signatures on it, one of which had ,LLC below it (Limited Liability Corporation is my guess). I guess there's still the For Lease sign in front that says something, but I really can't tell that it's Tesla anything yet.
Update: J in MN: you snapped that through the bay, awesome! I didn't have the light for a look through the window, but I did notice a couple of those framing steel studs.

 

[J in MN]

After some additional "image enhancement" on the last picture, it is definitely a Tesla logo. The architect is "finn daniels" of St. Paul. This is from the door 1 POV.

 

[Vexar]

After some additional "image enhancement" on the last picture, it is definitely a Tesla logo. The architect is "finn daniels" of St. Paul. This is from the door 1 POV

Image enhancement? If you say so, Deckard. You really should put your skills to better use, like running down replicants.

 

[Zythryn]

Awesome sleuthing guys
So it looks like Tesla and LaValleys will be sharing the building. Should be quite the eye opener for the LaValley guys.
I ca see it now.. "Hey Bob, what's that driving in next door?" "Looks like the future has arrived in Minnesota George"

 

[J in MN]

This will be such a weird contrast! I hope Tesla can at least put a sign on the side of the building facing the street.

 

[J in MN]

This week's SC update: Door 1 is now a wall. The inside walls are up and the floor is nice and shiny.

 

[rmayii]

Stopped by the Minneapolis Service Center this weekend just to see how things were progressing. Sent my 15 year-old son to the door to shoot a few pictures through heavily backlit doors, but you can see they look to be nearly ready for business in the lobby area at least. Still no signage on the outside. Will be visible from Hwy. 169 once they do have signage. Can't wait for an official opening (if I didn't miss it already)?

 

[Zythryn]

They are open now. They had a test drive event there a bit over a week ago and officially opened last Monday.

All new equipment, they didn't use anyone else's lifts or such.
I believe the manager, Todd is holding down the fort on his own right now while his first service tech, Heather, is at training in CA.
Heather is very enthusiastic about the company, product and owners she has met.

So if you swing by and the place is closed, it is probably because Todd is out on 'ranger' service. Heather is back either this week or next (I forget which) and I believe there are two other service techs in slotted for the Minneapolis center.
They also have a job opening listed for a delivery specialist and a very exciting position called 'asset lite'.

 

[rmayii]

That's what I get for taking my eye off this thread for so long!

 

[Zythryn]

LOL
I actually am contemplating the part time delivery position myself.

 

[Vexar]

LOL
I actually am contemplating the part time delivery position myself.

I think that would be a good move if you are otherwise set for income/wealth (you talked about buying another Model S) and you have the availability. I know you would enjoy it. I know folks would enjoy your personality and bottomless pitcher of Tesla knowledge. I must say, you and the other club members have done a lot more for me getting situated with my car than the gal who got let go ever did. This would be the one who put gasoline in the Tesla diesel truck.

 

[rmayii]

LOL
I actually am contemplating the part time delivery position myself.

Heck, I say go for the "asset lite" position as it sounds rather more intriguing. Wonder if they'll ever host an open house as I have no reason to be there as I'm still not an MS owner. Any word on the location of a future MSP Tesla showroom?

 

[raptorweb]

I don't know if there have been any real confirmations but rumor is Mall of America

 

[Zythryn]

I have heard MOA also, pretty much exclusively, but it is still a year away so I suspect nothing is official.

The Asset Lite position intrigues me greatly! Unfortunately, due to health issues full time work is pretty much out of the question.
That is a very important position for Tesla and their future in MN and I don't feel I could give it the level of energy it deserves or requires.

And thank you Vexar for your confidence

 

[Vexar]

RE: Asset Lite, I had a chance to discuss with someone in Saint Louis who is also an owner and is interested in the position. She's probably "sold" a few Model S' herself anyway, she may as well. From what she told me, the position is a precursor to a demo center being built.

Regarding locations, I have heard the Galleria in Edina and MoA were both under consideration.