Brooklyn Center, MN – Avison Young has arranged a new 8,330-square-foot (sf) lease on behalf of owner Totem Foods in a former Big O Tires building at 5501 North Xerxes Avenue in Brooklyn Center, MN. The former tire store will become a new Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) inspection station and is part of that agency’s efforts to meet ballooning demands by opening new locations in Rochester, Mankato, Fergus Falls, and Bemidji, as well as extended hours in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Totem Foods was represented by Jim Rock and Suzanne Schefcik, both based in Avison Young’s Minneapolis office. DVS was represented by the State of Minnesota and is expected to move into the space starting in September 2024.

“Since the onset of the pandemic there have been pipeline issues creating difficulties to acquire new and used cars. Prices for vehicles have become exceptionally high. This has created new demand for salvage vehicles or those declared total losses by insurance companies. The State of Minnesota is trying to keep up with this demand and ensure these vehicles are repaired with legal parts,” said Schefcik. “Nearly all the state’s nine inspection stations are overbooked, and the property on Xerxes Avenue, with its five bays, will double DVS’ capacity in the Twin Cities.”

The property at 5501 Xerxes Avenue sits on a 2.15-acre lot and is in a highly visible area of Brooklyn Center. It sits near area’s popular restaurants as well as the Shingle Creek Crossing Center and is located near Highway 100 and Brooklyn Boulevard.