By July 1, a John Deere dealership could open its doors at the former landmark car dealership, according to David Little, whose company spent $1.5 million to acquire the 335 S. York Road property. With settlement completed earlier this week, Little told Patch that he intended to spend "in excess of $500,000" on renovations. Upgrades will get underway soon and could be complete within 60 days, he said.

"That might be a little aggressive," Little said, adding that he'd definitely like to be open in time for Hatboro's 21st annual Moonlight Memories Car Show on July 27.

Upgrades include a new roof, a new showroom and "extensive" building renovations, he said.

Once opened, the business will offer full-service parts and service, as well as a selection of John Deere tractors, lawnmowers, Gator utility vehicles, 

Like the Jarrett family, Little, of Perkiomen Valley, said his family has been in business since 1946. The Littles started its John Deere franchise in 1950 or 1951, he said. Besides the upcoming Hatboro location, the family owns a dealership in Zieglerville, a sales center in Pottstown and its newest location, which opened in 2010 in Downingtown.

"We were challenged with working in the Lower Bucks market," Little said of why he and his family chose Hatboro. "The Jarrett facility became available and it was close enough to that market."

Little said he will be hiring about eight employees to start–in sales, parts and service–and will likely employ more as the business gets up and running.

As was announced last month, Jeff Jarrett, the third-generation of the former family-owned car dealership that had operated at the site for 67 years, will serve as general manager of the new business. 

"Being familiar with the area is a real plus for us," Little said of Jarrett. "He has the experience with sales." 

Even before I.M. Jarrett and Son closed its doors, Jeff Jarrett said he was readying for the new role. 

"I'm studying up on my brochures for John Deere," Jarrett told Patch last month. 

As for his 82-year-old father, Frank Jarrett, his son shared, "I’m sure he’ll wonder down and he likes tractors, but he won’t be on the payroll."

Like the Jarrett family, Little said he and his family looks forward to taking care of new customers and meeting their needs. 

"Our business is built on service," Little said. "We're excited to get there."