Auto parts store coming to Washington

June 13, 2016

Natalie Reid
Observer Reporter

O’Reilly Auto Parts, a specialty retailer of automotive parts, tools, equipment and accessories, is one step closer to setting up shop in Washington.

City council on Thursday approved a use-by-right application for development on the northeast corner of Jefferson and Oakland avenues, pending approval by the zoning hearing board. The plan calls for consolidation of five lots, from 750 to 790 Jefferson Avenue, including the former City Mission Hidden Treasures store and Shuba Auto Sales.

At their May 25 meeting, planning commission members recommended approval for the 81,000-square-foot retail space. Citing concerns of an adjacent property owner, code enforcement officer Ron McIntyre said he will request the company construct a privacy fence.

Mark Merz, a spokesman for O’Reilly, declined to provide additional information Monday. He said the company will release more details about 90 days before the retailer is scheduled to open.

Bohler Engineering, O’Reilly’s engineering firm, will next appeal to the city’s zoning hearing board for a green space variance. A green space of 30 percent of the lot is required; O’Reilly is requesting a little more than 25 percent.

Pending approval, construction will commence in late summer.

Founded in Springfield, Mo., O’Reilly has more than 4,500 stores in 44 states and employs more than 71,000 people.

The closest store to Washington is in Wintersville, Ohio.