Million-Dollar Investment Brings New Dealerships to Kalamazoo as City Grows

Kalamazoo is getting two new automotive dealerships as LaFontaine Automotive Group invests millions in building Mercedes-Benz and Mazda campuses on Stadium Drive.

The Mercedes-Benz dealership will be built at 3718 Stadium Drive, while the Mazda dealership will be built at 3616 Stadium Drive, according to the company.

"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.

Site plans for the dealerships were submitted to the city in February. A site plan review was scheduled for Thursday, March 25.

"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.

"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," said Ryan LaFontaine, CEO of LaFontaine Automotive Group.

The downtown event center, with an estimated price tag of at least $515 million, is being built now. Construction workers on the roof of the Kalamazoo event center in March 2026. (Brad Devereaux | BDevereaux@mlive.com)

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

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.

Investment Signals Confidence in Kalamazoo's Future

The investment from LaFontaine Automotive Group comes at a time when Kalamazoo is experiencing significant growth and development. The downtown event center represents one of the largest commercial projects in the city's history, and the new dealerships on Stadium Drive are part of a broader pattern of business investment in the area.

LaFontaine Used Cars currently operates at 3718 Stadium Drive, which is listed as the current address for the new Mercedes-Benz facility. This existing location will likely be replaced or expanded as part of the new dealership campus.

The new facilities will include:

  • Service areas
  • Showrooms
  • Offices

LaFontaine Automotive Group has been a significant presence in Kalamazoo for decades, and this investment represents a major expansion of their operations in the area.

Community Growth Drives Business Investment

Ryan LaFontaine's comments about Kalamazoo being "on the rise" reflect a growing consensus about the city's potential. The downtown event center, with its $515 million price tag, is just one example of the major developments underway.

"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.

The timing of these investments is significant. The site plans were submitted in February, and the review was scheduled for late March, indicating that the project is moving forward quickly.

"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.

Broader Economic Impact

The addition of two new dealerships will bring additional jobs and economic activity to the Stadium Drive area. Mercedes-Benz and Mazda are both major global automakers, and their continued presence in the region demonstrates confidence in the local market.

The investment also comes as other businesses are expanding in Kalamazoo. The downtown event center represents a massive commercial development, and businesses like LaFontaine are positioning themselves to take advantage of the growing market.

"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.

LaFontaine Automotive Group has been a staple of Kalamazoo's automotive industry for many years, and this expansion signals their commitment to the region's future growth.

What's Next

The site plan review scheduled for March 25 will be a key milestone for the project. Once approved, construction can begin on the new facilities.

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.

"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.

The investment represents millions of dollars in construction and will create a lasting presence in the Stadium Drive corridor. As Kalamazoo continues to grow, businesses like LaFontaine Automotive Group are positioning themselves to capitalize on the opportunity.