WashX Car Wash, a concept that utilizes cutting-edge technology to deliver a “car spa experience” recently opened its second Baltimore-area location at 965 Middelton Road in the Aberdeen section of Harford County. Entrepreneur and Managing Member, Harry G.
Owner WashX LLC & Operator Harry G. Pappas III chooses site fronting MD Route 22 in Aberdeen for next facility, joining inaugural spot on Belair Road in Fallston – entrepreneur planning additional local locations.
Pappas III and his partners opened their first WashX Car Wash on Belair Road in Fallston in 2024, and plans to develop additional sites in the greater Baltimore metropolitan region to address the growing consumer need in this category. Tom Fidler, Executive Vice President and Principal, MacKenzie Retail represented WashX Car Wash in this lease transaction.
WashX Car Wash is differentiated from its competitors based on its use of advanced wash technology which effectively removes damaging dirt, road salt, pollen and other contaminants; and its customer service philosophy and environmentally-responsive practices focused on the harvesting of rainwater, recycling of water, nano-bubble technology, and proper disposal of materials. Nanobubble technology involves generating ultra-fine gas bubbles which, due to their size, do not rise to the surface but, rather, stay suspended and creates highly oxygenated water that can break down contaminants.
The concept offers different membership options which provide unlimited washes, and also maintains cleaning programs targeted specifically to corporate fleets. These memberships will be honored at the new Aberdeen location as they are at the existing Fallston location.
“When formulating our concept, we extensively researched the best practices used by car wash groups operating nationally and realized that consumers desire an experience that combines cutting-edge technology, friendly service, and exceptional value at every visit,” explained Michael Deutsch, Partner of WashX Car Wash. “Delivering a product that exceeds customer expectations and is ‘something more than a car wash’ evolved into our corporate mission. Personal vehicles are extremely expensive, and utilizing improper methods to wash cars can create scratches and cause damage to the paint. The best investment to preserve long-term value is to use a professional car wash service,” he added.
The proliferation of the car wash concept is due, in part, to the modern-day time-strapped consumer who would rather spend their time involved in recreational activities, or with their family and friends. According to The International Carwash Association, 79% of all consumers now use professional car wash facilities, compared to 48% in 1994, and more than two billion car washes are completed annually at the more than 63,000 facilities nationwide. Car washing is now a $15 billion industry.
Water restrictions imposed by certain jurisdictions are also playing a role in industry growth. Professional car washes use approximately 35 gallons of water per vehicle, compared to the more than 100 gallons of water required by consumers at home.
“The phrase ‘there’s just not enough time in the day’ has been spoken more frequently among consumers, with many chasing efficiencies in every form of service or shopping experience,” stated MacKenzie’s Fidler. “This industry was disrupted several years ago by the advent of new technology and the introduction of monthly member programs which provide substantial value. The steady growth of multifamily living added new audiences to the industry, given the lack of outdoor hose connections at most communities.” Fidler adds that “it required more than four years to push this facility over the finish line,” but the site, which fronts MD Route 22, is perfectly suited for this use based on its cotenancy with Starbucks Coffee, Popeyes and the planned 6,500 square foot shopping center planned by the property owner, Middleton Holdings, an entity owned and operated by the Salvo Family.
Deutsch adds that the opening of WashX Car Wash translates to “the creation of new jobs, the support of local organizations, and an increase in economic development activity in the Aberdeen and Harford County area.” Its introduction represents the continuation of investment by the Pappas Family in the Aberdeen submarket, given the two Rent-A-Center stores owned and operated by the family. The ownership team has established strong customer relationships in the Fallston and Aberdeen communities, based on the operation of these businesses, as well as the first WashX Car Wash.
More than 50,000 people reside within a five-mile radius of 965 Middelton Road, including nearly 20,000 households with an average household income exceeding $100,000. An additional 50,000 employees work within a five-mile radius.
MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services is the real estate brokerage arm of The MacKenzie Companies, which operates five full-service divisions addressing all real estate asset classes including MacKenzie Management Company, MacKenzie Contracting Company, MacKenzie Capital, and MacKenzie Investment Group. The company provides customized real estate solutions for institutional owners, investors, private companies, and individuals. For additional information, visit www.mackenziecommercial.com
