Baierl Ford hosted a grand opening celebration Sept. 21 for business associates and community members at its new facility along Route 19 in Zelienople. The 60,000-square-foot facility features a remodeled showroom, a new service write-up area, lounge and service drive.

ZELIENOPLE — Three years of planning turned into a reality Sept. 21 for the new Baierl Ford facility.

The 60,000-square-foot facility along Route 19 had its grand opening for business associates and community members.

“It's beautiful. I couldn't be any happier with the way it turned out,” said Lee Baierl Jr., general manager. “It took a long time, but it was certainly worth the wait.”

The facility houses a remodeled showroom, a new service write-up area, lounge and service drive.

The facility also has a solar grid on the roof to harness solar energy. The grid was a catalyst for the borough amending its ordinance on solar power.

“The old building was rundown to say the least,” Baierl Jr. said.

He said the location outside the city environment and growth is attractive for the facility's business.

“It's an up-and-coming area with development,” he said. “And you have the town of Zelienople, which is a nice, quiet little town.”

Owner Lee Baierl Sr. said there is “no comparison” between the old and new facilities and that the new facility is “built for the future.”

“We were working on trucks outside because we didn't have the room to get them inside,” Baierl Sr. said. “They have the greatest technicians in this store and they were working on dollies outside.”

The showroom also pays tribute to founder Robert Baierl, who opened the business in 1956 along with nephews Ralph and William Baierl. Photographs of the three are on display.

“We're excited about the opportunity in this market,” Baierl Sr. said. “We're excited to be part of Zelienople and the growth here.”