J.C. Lewis Ford representatives and community members gathered together to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new J.C. Lewis Ford dealership at 305 W. Oglethorpe Highway.

According to J.C. Lewis Ford president Walter Lewis, officials broke ground on the new building on August 29, 2017. The building features tall windows in the showroom, aluminum siding, landscaping and most importantly, the Ford logo. The 38,000 square-foot facility is state-of-the-art, and outfitted with the best available upgrades. According to a news release, the Ford dealership is also solar-powered, and features a new Quick-Lane Service Center—a no-appointment needed service center where customers can come day or night, and weekends.

“I appreciate everyone showing up today,” Lewis said. “We’re so appreciative of the reception we’ve received in Hinesville, and the support from the entire community. We certainly felt like this town was a great market.”

Lewis thanked those leaders in the community, including Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown, Hinesville City Manager Ken Howard, Liberty County Commissioner’s Chairman Donald Lovette, Liberty Consolidate Planning Commission Executive Director Jeff Ricketson, and other prominent figures who had a hand in the planning and development of the building.

Hinesville Ford has been in the Hinesville area since 1938, and was purchased by the previous owner Fred Mingledorf Sr. in 1935, according to a previous Courier article. Fred Mingledorf Jr., ran the Ford dealership from 1958 until 1994. J.C. Lewis Ford bought the dealership from the Mingledorfs two years ago, Lewis said. Since then, they’ve proudly served the community surrounding Hinesville and Fort Stewart since 2016.

“The J.C. Lewis team is proud to serve the City of Hinesville and its surrounding areas,” the release read. “We work hard to make each customer feel welcome and have an exceptional experience, and our new sales and service building will help enhance our efforts.”