"We wanted to keep it as natural as possible and used a lot of natural products and steered away from the austere metro look."

They have managed to achieve a striking landmark building that is impossible to miss as you drive along Mackay Avenue.

The story of the Owen Toyota Dealership commenced when founder Lester Owen began working as manager for Gilbro Motors in 1969.

In 1974 Mr Owen became a part owner in the company and nine years later aquired full ownership and renamed the dealership 'Lester Owen Motors'.

Originally located at the Wakedon street address the first expansion of the business occured in 1983 when he leased the adjacent land to house the famous Toyota Melbourne Tram as a sales office. This was followed closely by a full refurbishment of the Wakeden street dealership and in 1989 with the relocation of the tram and sales yard to Altin Street.

Lestor welcomed his sons Dean and Mark into the dealership in 1992 and 1994, 10 short years later Lester relinquished ownership to his sons, and one year later they purchased the land on which the current Dealership stands.

Owen Toyota's Grand opening occured during the June long weekend earlier this year and now after 25 years all departments will operate from the same location.

To read the entire Grand Opening article download here [6mb]