Major Investment in Kalamazoo's Stadium Drive Area

*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — LaFontaine Automotive Group is investing millions to build new Mercedes-Benz and Mazda dealership campuses on Stadium Drive, signaling confidence in the city's continued growth and development.

The Mercedes-Benz dealership will be built at 3718 Stadium Drive, while the Mazda dealership will be constructed at 3616 Stadium Drive, the company announced. Plans for the facilities show service areas, showrooms, and offices as part of the comprehensive development.

"We are incredibly excited to continue growing in Kalamazoo and to make a meaningful investment in a community that is clearly on the rise," LaFontaine Automotive Group said on social media while posting a rendering of the Mercedes-Benz development.

"We're proud to be part of that momentum, alongside other businesses who believe in Kalamazoo's potential," LaFontaine added.

Downtown Event Center Connection

The investment comes as the downtown event center, with an estimated price tag of at least $515 million, continues construction. Ryan LaFontaine, CEO of LaFontaine Automotive Group, noted the connection between the dealership development and the broader downtown revitalization efforts.

"What's happening here, from the development along Stadium Drive to the groundbreaking of the new downtown event center, reflects a shared vision for the future," LaFontaine said.

Site Plan Review Process

Site plans for the dealerships were submitted to the city in February. A site plan review was scheduled for Thursday, March 25. MLive has reached out to the city about the status of the project and to the developer to ask for more details.

Plans submitted to the city show details of the Mazda and Mercedes-Benz facilities, with service areas, showrooms and offices. 3718 Stadium Drive is listed as the current address of LaFontaine Used Cars Kalamazoo.

Community Investment Philosophy

"These new facilities are about more than automotive, they're about creating opportunity, delivering exceptional experiences, and investing in a community we're honored to serve," LaFontaine said.

About LaFontaine Automotive Group

LaFontaine Automotive Group is a major automotive retailer based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company has established itself as a key player in Southwest Michigan's automotive marketplace, with multiple locations throughout the region.

The company's announcement of new dealership locations on Stadium Drive represents a significant expansion of its footprint in Kalamazoo and demonstrates confidence in the area's economic prospects.

What This Means for Kalamazoo

The development of new Mercedes-Benz and Mazda dealerships on Stadium Drive will bring hundreds of jobs to the area and enhance the commercial corridor along one of Kalamazoo's main thoroughfares. The investment also signals that major brands continue to view Kalamazoo as a desirable location for their automotive retail operations.

With the downtown event center also under construction nearby, Stadium Drive is becoming an increasingly important commercial and development hub for the city.

Sources:

  • Brad Devereaux, MLive - https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2026/03/new-car-dealerships-coming-to-kalamazoo.html