Smart Automotive prepares to open 3 new dealership locations in DavenportThree Smart Automotive dealerships are preparing to move to new buildings on East 53rd Street this fall, bringing larger service shops and upgraded spaces for customers and employees.Smart Lexus is scheduled to open Oct. 12, followed by Smart Hyundai on Oct. 26 and Smart Kia on Nov. 30, according to Chris Geigle, Smart Automotive's regional operations manager. He said the dates could change if construction is delayed.The dealerships will join Smart's existing Toyota and luxury locations, bringing five of the company's six dealerships into the same area.Geigle said the project has been about two and a half years in the making, from the initial vision through construction. It also includes a separate reconditioning center for vehicle detailing and cleaning."It's fun to walk these every week because they're transforming before our eyes," Geigle said.Inside the new Lexus building, the service shop will have room for 20 vehicles at once, compared with roughly 12 or 13 at its current location.The new facilities also include larger customer lounges, updated equipment and indoor vehicle delivery areas. Employee spaces include air-conditioned shops, locker rooms with showers, larger break rooms and training rooms.During a tour of the new Hyundai building, Geigle said the additional space would allow the company to hire more technicians.Bringing the dealerships together will also give customers more shopping options in one area, Geigle said."It makes it easier for somebody if they're searching for a vehicle," he said.Smart leases the buildings the dealerships are leaving. Geigle said the property owners will determine what happens to those spaces after the moves.For Geigle, the expansion reflects the company's connection to Davenport."We've been a part of Davenport for a very long time," he said. "Like this is home for us...I think it hopefully shows the long-term investment we have here."