FAIRFIELD, Calif. -

Economic development department officials in Fairfield, Calif., believe CarMax is going to open a dealership in their community.

Their assertion comes from CarMax purchasing two Auto Mall parcels. The parcels consist of a 7.01-acre former Dodge dealership purchased for $5.175 million and a 6.16-acre parcel that housed a former Chrysler Jeep Ram Kia rooftop purchased for $6.85 million.

Fairfield officials indicated current plans are to demolish and reconstruct the old Dodge showroom and renovate the former Chrysler rooftop. Reportedly, CarMax’s projected opening for a Fairfield store is early next year.

Economic development leaders highlighted the Auto Mall, which had vacant properties last year, began to show signs of growth earlier this year with the opening of a Volkswagen and a Mazda store as well as a new Ford-Lincoln dealership. They have joined Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Acura franchises in the complex.

Adding to the resurgence is Price Simms Dealer Group, which is building a Mercedes-Benz dealership scheduled to be completed in September. The 40,000-square foot dealership will seek LEED certification.

Store officials mentioned green elements will include solar panels covering the entire main roof area, energy-efficient lighting and low water use. Their general contractor is JR Roberts Deacon.

Ron Barber, co-owner of Momentum Auto Group, which owns several dealerships in the Auto Mall, sees a bright future. The company is planning to open a used-vehicle store next to the Mercedes dealership and also hopes to add another franchise operation at an available five-acre Auto Mall property.

Barber attributes the Auto Mall’s success to the improving economy and its location.

“We’re right on Interstate 80 where we are highly visible and are able to attract customers from Solano County and other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area,” he stated.

And Fairfield officials think that momentum will be continued with CarMax. They pointed out Don LeBuhn and Kevin Kovar, of CB Richard Ellis, represented the seller of the recently moved parcels, while Paul Silver, of Thalhimer Commercial Real Estate, and Bill Davini, of Colliers International, represented CarMax.