Business in Little Rock's Hillcrest neighborhood closes after almost 60 years

The former location of Helmich Auto Service at Kavanaugh Boulevard and Beechwood Street in Little Rock.
The former location of Helmich Auto Service at Kavanaugh Boulevard and Beechwood Street in Little Rock.

Helmich Auto Service at Kavanaugh Boulevard and Beechwood Street in Little Rock has closed after almost 60 years in business, Stan West, an owner of the shop, said Friday in an email to his customers.

The business was started in 1957 by West's father-in-law, Edward Helmich, who retired in 1987. West began working at the auto repair shop in 1979.

"A lot of people over the years have noted that our business was located in a valuable location," West said in the email. "I've always known that someday this would happen."

West declined in the email to identify the buyer, who told West there were no immediate plans for the location.

On the basis of legal advice he'd received in the past, West would not recommend another shop.

"There are lots of fine shops out there, but do your homework," West said.

-- David Smith

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