By Tommy Hallissey

A new mixed-use commercial facility is set to rise on the site of a former West 242nd Street auto repair shop on Broadway, adjacent to Manhattan College's new parking garage.

NAI Friedland Realty, a Yonkers- based company, is shopping for tenants for the 32,940-squarefoot, two-story building.

Steve Lorenzo, executive vice president at NAI Friedland, said the site, which hasn't been demolished yet, holds promise. "We are really excited about what the developers are proposing for this location," he said. "We are envisioning a bank, a national restaurant chain and a gym."

But he wouldn't release names.

Charles Slane of Slane 5959 Broadway, LLC has filed plans with the city Department of Buildings to demolish the old repair shop, but no plans have been filed for the new building. Mr. Slane did not return a call for comment.

According to NAI Friedland's Web site, the new development will include an underground parking garage. The building is planned to curve with the contours of the street corner and take up a large part of the lot. Mr. Lorenzo said the site was attractive because of its proximity to the subway and Van Cortlandt Park. Another factor was the presumed high foot traffic in the area.

In fact, the site was so appealing Manhattan College once considered buying it before determining that it was just too expensive.

Manhattan's president, Brother Thomas Scanlan holds no sour grapes for his new neighbor. "Manhattan College is very pleased to see the development of the 242nd Street area of Broadway," he said. "We like to think that our parking garage will contribute, not only to this project, but to further enhancements as well."

Tony Cassino, Community Board 8's chairman, concurred. "This development might not have been possible without Manhattan College," he said.

Zoning on that block was changed to commercial from manufacturing in 2006 for the Manhattan College parking garage, which is being built next door. "When we changed the zoning for Manhattan College, they benefited from it," said Mr. Cassino.

Manhattan College is building a multi-story parking garage next door to accommodate its growing student body. The college announced last year that a portion of the new site will be dedicated to a retailer yet to be determined.

Mr. Cassino was not informed in advance of the new project, but he said the developers might not need to contact the community board initially.

NAI Friedland, meanwhile, is eager for its client to get the shovel in the ground. Demolition may begin shortly, said Mr. Lorenzo. An application for a new building is expected this summer, he said. The building is set to open in 2009.