In Chesterfield, Missouri, locals have noticed a curious sight—hundreds of Tesla vehicles parked in front of a now-closed Dillard’s department store, one of the few buildings still standing after the widespread demolition of Chesterfield Mall.
This odd display, which includes various Tesla models in colors like red, gray, blue, white, and black, has been raising questions since it began. Notably, among the parked cars are numerous Tesla Cybertrucks, known for their futuristic, angular design and stainless steel body.
The Reason Behind the Parking Situation
The explanation lies in a short-term lease agreement. According to The Staenberg Group, which is overseeing the mall’s redevelopment, Tesla signed a lease to temporarily park vehicles at the mall before it closed in August 2024. As demolition began, the inventory was moved to the lot surrounding Dillard’s.
Tim Lowe, Senior VP of Leasing and Development at The Staenberg Group, stated that the lot has housed between 200 and 400 Teslas at a time. The vehicles will likely stay there until Dillard’s begins planned renovations and reopens in the future.
A Temporary Overflow Site for Tesla Inventory
The reason for this overflow is logistical. The nearest Tesla dealership, located just three miles away on Chesterfield Airport Road, lacks enough space to store all available inventory. Thus, the Dillard’s parking lot serves as a temporary holding area.
Michael Staenberg, president of The Staenberg Group, confirmed that Tesla is currently about six months into a 32-month lease at the site. This arrangement provides a solution for inventory storage while the dealership awaits expansion or reallocation of space.
Security and Maintenance Measures in Place
To address safety concerns, security cameras have been installed, and regular patrols monitor the area. Traffic cones also block access to certain sections of the lot to deter unauthorized entry.
Despite the number of vehicles parked, security has not been a significant issue, according to Staenberg.
Tesla’s Role and Broader Context
Tesla, Inc., known for its electric vehicles, is led by CEO Elon Musk, who has also gained attention for his involvement with X (formerly Twitter) and political figures like Donald Trump. The company did not respond immediately to media requests for comment on this specific leasing arrangement.
The unusual sight of hundreds of Teslas parked outside a closed Missouri Dillard’s is not random—it’s part of a strategic solution for temporary inventory overflow.
With renovations to Dillard’s on the horizon and a long-term lease in place, the vehicles are expected to remain visible in Chesterfield for the foreseeable future. This temporary setup highlights how real estate and logistics intersect in the evolving landscape of electric vehicle distribution.