Cherry Hill Planning Board Approved Subaru Dealership Plan
The new 67,035-square-foot dealership will feature drought-resistant landscaping at the former corporate site.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Car Types
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The Cherry Hill planning board has formally approved a site plan for a new Subaru dealership at 2235 Route 70. The project replaces the site that previously served as the brand's corporate headquarters from 1986 to 2018.
Why it matters
The development aligns with Subaru's corporate eco-friendly initiatives while repurposing a long-vacant site in Cherry Hill. The new facility reflects updated New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection flood hazard regulations to manage environmental impact near the Cooper River.
The 67,035-square-foot facility includes a 21,840-square-foot showroom and a 36,350-square-foot service area. The site will support 72 employees once fully operational.
The players
Subaru
An automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and focus on eco-friendly corporate practices.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
An organization focused on gardening and landscape design that developed the dealership's eco-friendly planting philosophy.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
A state agency responsible for implementing flood hazard regulations that dictated the site design changes.
The details
The dealership site plan incorporates sustainable design features, including a drought-resistant pollinator garden that requires no turf, mowing, or fertilizers. The project received a variance to waive permanent irrigation requirements, relying instead on temporary water trucks for initial plant maintenance. To minimize noise pollution, the facility will utilize a phone-based tracking system to locate vehicles on the lot rather than traditional horns.
Timeline
1986-2018: Site held Subaru corporate headquarters.
2019: Demolition of the former Cherry Hill headquarters building.
2023: Initial approval of the new Subaru dealership project.
October 5, 2026: Board resolution memorializing site plan approval.
The Home Front
This project reflects a broader trend of commercial developers adapting to stringent New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection flood hazard regulations. The shift signals a move toward more climate-resilient landscaping practices for large-scale suburban retail sites.
Residents living near Route 70 can expect changes to local traffic patterns and landscaping aesthetics as construction proceeds. Homeowners in the area may want to note the shift toward drought-resistant pollinator gardens, which serve as a design guide for reducing residential water use.
The takeaway
The new Subaru dealership represents a significant change in how commercial land is utilized to balance corporate operations with environmental standards. Nearby residents can monitor local planning board notices for any future adjustments to the project timeline or site operations.
Further reading
Learn more about local automotive developments in our Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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