CarMax eyes Salisbury store on Boulevard Motors site

Two commercial buildings that once housed iconic Salisbury businesses soon may be making way for a CarMax used car "superstore."

The Virginia-based company recently bought three properties in the 1800 block of North Salisbury Boulevard, according to state of Maryland online real estate records. SVN — Miller Commercial Real Estate brokered the nearly $2.5 million deal.

The parcels involved include the former Boulevard Motors and a restaurant/banquet hall that was at various times Chef Fred's Restaurant, the Georgia House and Mr. Paul's Legacy restaurant.

"CarMax identifies areas that reach customers not currently served by our unique experience, and we have identified Salisbury as a good fit for our current growth plan," said Beth Singer, a company spokeswoman, in an email. "This store is not currently on our announced store openings calendar or construction schedule, but it can often take 2 to 3 years to get all necessary approvals, complete construction and open for business once we decide to move forward on any location."

If built, CarMax, who says they offer its customers a "no-haggle, no-hassle experience" would have plenty of automotive company nearby. The stretch of North Salisbury Boulevard between Zion Road to the north and Alexander Avenue to the south is brimming with dealerships and car-repair shops.

The company, listed at No. 232 on the Fortune 500. As of today, CarMax has 155 locations nationwide with eight of those being in Maryland. Singer said the company is currently growing at 13 to 16 stores per year for the next several years.