Earthwork begins on $5M Mills project in Willmar, Minn.

WILLMAR -- Earthwork is underway and installation of utilities will take place at the site of the new Mills auto dealership and car wash on U.S. Highway 71 South in Willmar. The site will be the new location for the Mills Auto Center Buick, Toyota, Nissan and Scion building currently located at the intersection of First Street and 19th Avenue Southwest.

City officials anticipate construction of the building, preliminarily estimated at more than $5 million, will take place in the spring after a building permit has been issued. They say a building permit is not required for the utility work.

The new auto center site is located just north of the present Mills Ford, Lincoln, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram dealership.

Besides the two auto dealerships in Willmar, Mills operates three dealerships in Brainerd.