The Kelly Nissan auto dealership in Oak Lawn underwent a compete renovation after coming to a 12-year economic incentive agreement with the village a year ago.
Kelly Nissan, located at 4300 W. 95th St., underwent a complete renovation over the past year. While Kelly acknowledged that the process brought “some headaches,” he believes the overall outcome is positive for both the business and the village.
The dealership marked its grand reopening the morning of Oct. 18, with owners, staff, and Oak Lawn officials welcoming the public. The event was held in partnership with the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce.
“A lot of the time we were working out of a tent, and it was a challenge,” Kelly said of the renovation period. “We wanted to bring it up to today’s standards. It wasn’t easy, but now the building is up-to-date with updated technology.”
Kelly chuckled as he added, “Plus, the building needed it.”
The family-owned dealership traces its roots to 1980, when it first opened along Southwest Highway in Oak Lawn. The current location became available in 1982, and the business transitioned there.
Since its founding, the dealership’s brand evolved from Datsun to Nissan in the mid-1980s. The Kellys took full ownership of the business in 1997, establishing its current name, Kelly Nissan. The dealership last underwent renovations in 2006, but Kelly said it became evident that additional updates were necessary to stay competitive.
Knowing the scale of the project required assistance, Kelly approached the Oak Lawn Village Board and Mayor Terry Vorderer for support. Last year, the board approved a 12-year economic incentive agreement to help keep Kelly Nissan competitive.
“We want to be partners with Kelly Nissan,” Vorderer said. “This works for everyone, and the sales tax generated from this dealership helps the village. It’s a win-win situation.”
Vorderer was present at the ribbon-cutting and thanked Kelly Nissan for its commitment to Oak Lawn.
“I want to thank Kelly Nissan for their investment in our community,” Vorderer said. “I want to congratulate your auto dealership for your investment in Oak Lawn.”
Natasha Miller Williams, president of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, expressed appreciation for the dealership’s longstanding relationship with the community. “I have a Nissan, and I love it,” she added.
Kelly described the building’s original design as having a “typical 1970s and early ’80s look,” with wooden beams and an orange color scheme. The renovated space now features a modern, state-of-the-art interior across both levels.
“Back in 1980, we operated out of a two-car showroom,” Kelly said. “We started the renovation last August (2023), and we can’t thank the Village of Oak Lawn enough for everything they have done. They have been a phenomenal partner. I would be remiss in not thanking Nissan for all that they have done. We also want to thank the Oak Lawn Chamber for everything they did to make this happen.”
The upgraded facility allows Kelly Nissan to better serve customers with enhanced technology and improved service, both in-person and online. The dealership remains a family-run operation, with Ryan Kelly’s sons, Tyler and Trevor, serving as general manager and sales manager, respectively.
“I just want to also thank the employees for their patience and hard work,” Kelly said. “We sometimes had to deal with rain and working under a tent. But we got through this.”