Longstanding Danvers garden center reportedly set to be replaced by car dealership

The Danvers Planning Board approved the redevelopment of Kane's Flower World into a dealership.

A garden center that has served the North Shore area for almost 60 years is reportedly set to close and be replaced by a car dealership.

Kane’s Flower World, located at 64 Andover St. (Route 114) in Danvers, would be replaced by a dealership selling Genesis, Hyundai, and an as-yet-unidentified third brand of car, according to a report in The Salem News and documents available online.

Kane’s has been in business since 1965. A representative from the business seemed to confirm the news in a comment on a recent Facebook post, but clarified that it is not set to actually close for at least another year.

“I just heard Kane’s is closing and will be replaced by car dealerships! So sad. Kane’s is my happy place during growing season,” a user commented.

“Thank you. It will take some time to unwind — we will be here for you for a year or more,” Kane’s responded.

The business did not immediately return a request for comment Friday afternoon.

A special permit application and a site plan review application were submitted to the town by McGovern Auto Group in March, according to online filings. The dealership would cover two existing properties: Kane’s and an abutting property at 70 Andover St. The latter has been the home of a number of auto dealerships over the years, according to a project narrative document also submitted by McGovern. The greenhouses and retail buildings currently on these properties would be removed.

The Danvers Planning Board approved both the special permit and site plan review, according to The Salem News.