A sign at Legacy Ford, on Island Avenue in La Grande, announces its grand reopening on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Following the recent remodel, Legacy Ford is now the largest service shop in Eastern Oregon. 

LA GRANDE — The Legacy Ford dealership, 2906 Island Ave., unveiled its remodeled and enlarged facility at a ribbon-cutting grand reopening on Friday, Sept. 13.

The dealership is fully functional again and ready to serve the sales and service needs of customers in Eastern Oregon.

“We’ve been on this project for the last 18 months, and we’re finally done,” Legacy’s owner, Greg Colozzi, said. “It’s a beautiful facility, and we’re hoping to serve customers for many years to come in a state-of-the-art facility.”

The renovation project began in March 2022, and it was one that Colozzi and General Sales Manager Chris Huxoll felt was badly needed to make the dealership viable and competitive in today’s market.

Consequently, Colozzi, who bought the dealership five years ago, made this project his priority.

The dealership worked with Derek Howard, the CB Construction team and Luke Hines’ LJH Construction to complete the remodel and expansion. A lot of the work was bid out to local contractors and subcontractors, making this project one that benefitted the local economy.

The renovation involved clearing out 40 years of clutter and creating efficiency and streamlining into its usable space. The building plans called for 20,000 additional square feet of shop space, including an additional 16 bays for vehicles to be worked on.

Legacy Ford hired on more mechanics and technicians, bringing their employee count to about 50 at present. Colozzi stated that they are now the largest service shop in Eastern Oregon. The service department provides tire rotations, alignments, oil changes, diesel repairs and electric vehicle service.

“Without a Ford dealership in Pendleton, Baker City, Enterprise or Walla Walla, Legacy Ford in La Grande is the premier dealership within 100 miles, and it’s the go-to place for service of all makes and models,” he said.

Legacy Ford’s service and parts departments are a significant part of its expansion, and with its new website, www.legacyford.net, customers may now book vehicle service appointments.

The dealership also boasts the largest inventory of cars in Eastern Oregon, as well as camper vans and recreational vehicles and a selection of pre-owned vehicles. They also have a bank of chargers in front of the dealership for electric vehicles, and they anticipate growing in that market in the years to come.

“We’re fully functional now, so stop in and check us out,” Colozzi said.