What are they building: Long-empty corner gets a car wash

• Work began recently and Jeff Francis, the company's general manager, said the location will likely be completed by the end of April 2025. 
• Francis & Sons has 14 locations in the Valley, with five more, including the 35th and Thunderbird spot, coming soon, according to the company's website. 

Zoom in: Francis said the company chose that location because it's near a freeway, in an area experiencing growth, and has a gap in services.  

• At one point, someone had plans to build a business at that corner, he said. 
• Yes, but: "To our knowledge … it's been vacant for quite a while," Francis said. 

Our thought bubble: I can't say with certainty that there's never been anything at that corner, but my family moved to the neighborhood in 1987 and I can't recall there ever being an active business there.

• With that in mind, it's nice to see someone finally filling out that vacant space.

What to watch: When they have their grand opening next year, check in for free car washes.