By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM – One of St. Lawrence County’s oldest car dealerships has received a major facelift as Barstow Motors recently doubled their space in an effort to better present their vehicles and offer a more modern service facility.

Owner John Barstow says construction was a “smooth process” and that he is “happy to be in the building.”

Construction of the 18,000 square foot building began in Oct. of 2015 and was completed in January of this year. The preexisting building was about 10,000 square feet.

Barstow sells vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet, GMC and Buick in the new facility. Subaru vehicles are now sold in the old building.

The new service center, 154 Market St., includes a drive-thru service area for customers to pull into for a meet and greet with customer service representatives.

“This will allow someone to talk with out staff inside instead of outside about servicing their vehicle,” he said.

The service area includes four stalls, a large waiting area and new amenities, Barstow said.

Barstow Motors can work on all models of vehicles but specialize on GM and Subaru.

“We welcome customers who purchased a vehicle elsewhere who are in need to service work,” he said.

Barstow’s collision center will remain across the road.

The expansion has also created new jobs.

Barstow Motors added four new positions in recent months and could possibly add more before then end of the year. They employ 29 people presently.

“We are optimistic the market will be good in the future,” Barstow said, noting that Subaru sales have doubled at his dealership in recent years.

He attributed the positive sales to Subaru being an all-wheel drive, cross-over vehicle that is a mix of a car and a sports utility vehicle.

“There has been a huge market for them in the U.S. as they are fuel efficient and they are a good fit for the North Country,” Barstow said.

Barstow used many local companies during construction including Norwood-based engineer Thomas A.H. Pahler; Hyde-Stone Mechanical Contractors, Potsdam; S&L Electric, Colton; Ward Excavating and Paving, Potsdam; Maine Land Surveying, Potsdam, and MTL Design Inc., Watertown;

Roy and Robert Barstow opened the dealership in 1951 selling used cars and farm machinery before acquiring the Ford franchise. They switched from a Ford dealership to a Chevrolet dealership in 1961 and added Subaru in 1984.

“We are happy to serve the community – we strive to do the best we can with service and look at our customers as family,” he said.

A grand opening is planned for April.