The Duluth City Council approved a special-use permit on June 8 for a new auto repair shop at 2750 Buford Highway in the Duluth Station shopping center. The building was previously occupied by Kaufman Tire Center from 1997 until August of 2012 and is currently vacant.

Following a public hearing, the city council approved the request for Grand Tires, operated by Sung Yi, in the space with restrictions including the prohibition of outdoor storage. The storage of wrecked, junked and/or inoperable vehicles, including vehicle parts and equipment, is not permitted unless housed completely inside the building. Restrictions added to the special-use permit also prohibit new or used car sales.