Photo courtesy of Daniel Simon.
A one-time Model T dealership in downtown Hyattsville is getting a new look.
Daniel Simon told the Hyattsville Wire that he is remodeling the 5,500-square-foot building at 4327 Gallatin St., next to the post office. Workers are removing the drop-down ceiling and converting the interior to three offices.
The building, which dates to 1918, housed Palmer Ford, the first auto showroom in Hyattsville and a forerunner of the mid-century auto row on Baltimore Avenue. It later housed a sheet-metal dealer and a printing company.
Simon plans to occupy one of the offices himself and may rent another to Paul J. McGarvey, an attorney who already works out of the space. The third office should be on the market sometime in August.
“I am thrilled to be part of the action,” he said in an email interview. “The city as well as the (Hyattsville Community Development Corp.) seem to be doing a great job fostering new and exciting development. Walkable cities are so important and and I think Hyattsville is on the right path in that regard.”
I believe this was a Willys Jeep dealer in the 50’s.
Palmer Ford moved to their new show room and dealership on Hamilton St. where the new 7-Elven store is located, but that was temporary till they finally moved to their fully operational location on Jamestown Rd. near the W-Hyattsville metro is located. It was in front of the Queens Chapel Drive Inn. Right across from the Midget Grill, they served the best hamburgers in town. Till Burger Chef was built on Ager Road. Must not forget the great Mighty Mo near by, almost put the Midget Grill out of business.
Thanks Hyattsville Wire for allowing me to walk down memory lane.
I’d love to see pictures of when they sold cars there, Ford or Willys.