Last Thursday, Sep. 17, the sign at Harley’s Garage, at 272 W. Mesquite Boulevard,  lit up as much as it could for the final time before transforming the next day to its next life as Illusive Imports. On Monday, it was transformed to its new look completely, but still keeping the original color scheme.

The Harley’s Garage sign lit up for the last time last Thursday, Sep. 17. The building and sign has been an iconic part of Mesquite’s downtown area for more than 60 years. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

The Harley’s Garage sign lit up for the last time last Thursday, Sep. 17. The building and sign has been an iconic part of Mesquite’s downtown area for more than 60 years. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

The new business, slated to open Oct. 12, is the brain child of local residents Raul “Junior” Flores and Victor Baltazar.

“I was a little kid when (Harley’s) was open and going,” said Flores. “I remember walking by it every day.”

After taking auto shop in high school, Flores was hooked and began working on cars as a hobby; a hobby he has now decided to turn into a career. If his career turns out anything like his hobby, Mesquite can plan on seeing Illusive Imports for many years to come. Many know Flores from local car shows where he has entered a car that he personally rebuilt.

For starters, Illusive Imports will begin as an auto repair shop, but not an ordinary one. Flores promises that Illusive Imports will be specialized in several areas, mainly in customization. Flores, with the help of his younger brother, Santiago, who happens to be a certified technician, plans on bringing back some good old-quality work to Mesquite. “The one difference between me and anyone else is that I treat every car as if it’s my own. I’m an honest person. If I can fix it I will. If I can’t, I’ll come right out and say it,” Flores said.

In the near future, they hope to bring in services such as body repair and window tinting.

From left are Victor Baltazar, Santiago Flores and Raul “Junior” Flores, owners of Illusive Imports & Domestics, which is set to open Oct. 12. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

From left are Victor Baltazar, Santiago Flores and Raul “Junior” Flores, owners of Illusive Imports & Domestics, which is set to open Oct. 12. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.

 

The group will continue to make changes to the building and property as they prepare to open, repainting the inside and getting their equipment situated.

“We’ve already had some people stop by and ask us to check things,” said Flores which may be a good sign that they’re in the right place at the right time.Harleys-09-24-15-02