Auto Dealership Sold On

7/28/2019 Auto Dealership Sold On

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The three-story total-precast concrete building constructed for Pepe Motors in White Plains, N.Y., provides inventory space for up to 500 Mercedes-Benz and Infinit i automobiles .The building reduces waiting time for cars to arrive and provides year-round weather protection.

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Auto Dealerships Sold OnPrecast Concrete Structures Multistory precast concrete designs save real estate, provide protection and create secure storage while boosting sales for auto dealers around the country

A utomobile dealerships around

the country are understanding the marketing advantage that

Bev Smith Ford in Lake Park, Fla.,gains from being able to tout its “FourFloors of Fords!” The boast resultsfrom the dealer building a four-story precast concrete parking structureadjacent to the showroom that providesmore storage in a small space. Otherdealers have expanded that concepta step further by creating multistory showrooms from precast concrete

components, putting display space andthe parts department on the first floorand using upper floors for inventory and added showroom space.

The design concept offers significantadvantages by allowing better use of realestate, providing weather protection,securing inventory better and offering expanded showroom space that’s flexibleand energy efficient. Dealers both aboveand below the Mason Dixon line arefinding that precast concrete structuresmake sense in their geographic

locations.“It was the best investment we have

made,” says Joe Pepe, owner of PepeMotors in White Plains, N.Y. Thedealership created a precast concreteparking facility on its tight sightthat saves the company considerablemanpower and time each winter. Itprotects inventoried Mercedes-Benzand Infiniti autos from snow and salt while keeping them nearby for customerviewing. That cuts waiting times andmakes the dealership more efficient. “It

makes perfect sense to keep cars undercover in the Northeast.”

The total-precast concrete structure

was designed with pretopped doubletees, columns, spandrels, inverted teebeams, horizontal lite walls, shear wallsand stair risers. About 267 components were used, including a solid precast wall

that was built along the property line toallow the facility to be built up to theline. Unistress Corp. in Pittsfield, Mass.,produced the components.

More dealers are realizing the benefitsall the time, says John Tice, principal at Winningham, Bundy & Tice, Architectsin Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “We’ve donequite a number of these, using precastdouble-tee systems,” he says. “They usually include the showroom, partsdepartment, service department,

everything.”Often, the upper floors, which

are designed essentially as a parking structure, feature brighter lighting levels and more finish detail to create anextended showroom space. Customerscan take the elevator up to theappropriate location to view the desiredcar. The format saves time compared tostoring vehicles off-site and having themdelivered by a staff person when needed,quickly connecting customer and car.

Autobuilders General Contracting

Service in West Palm Beach, Fla., whichconstructed the Bev Smith project,

specializes in this type of construction.

The company recently finished six such projects and has four more being designed, says J.J. Wolfe, executivevice president. “All of the dealerships we bui ld now use this format.” Thecompany works closely with CoreslabStructures (MIAMI) Inc. in Miami, Fla.,to create the precast concrete designs.

Better Use Of SpaceExisting dealerships are running out

of room and need space to expand,he explains. The precast concrete

structure can be erected on a tight site,dramatically increasing the storage space

‘It was the

best investment we

have made.’

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West Side Honda in Knoxville, Tenn., used a total-precast concrete structural system to designits showroom, which includes storage space and a service center on the first floor. The 152,524- square-foot building features a parts department on a mezzanine level.

Wayne Akers Ford in Lake Worth, Fla., features a 70,000-square-foot total-precast concrete design that includes the showroom, parts department and service center with43 service bays. The design was created by Popper & Associates Automotive Facili ties Consultants Inc., with precast concrete components provided by Coreslab Structures (MIAMI) Inc.

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available. But even more advantages aregained when the designs are planned

from initial construction, he notes. “If you incorporate this type of structure when you’re first planning a dealership,you don’t need to figure on needing somany acres of land for cars.”

In some cases, dealers even aredesigning precast concrete structures with an eye toward further expansion,says Freddy Lee, architectural designer with Popper & Associates AutomotiveFacilities Consultants Inc. in West PalmBeach, Fla. One project currently onthe boards will feature a service and

parts departments on the first floor withinventory storage overhead. But thecolumns and double tees on the roof are being designed so additional floorscan be added later. In addition, invertedtee beams are being notched to provideledges for further horizontal expansion if desired. “It’s easier to build horizontally,because you can quickly add anothersquare next to the existing one,” he says.“But it’s not always possible to have thatmuch land available.”

Protection Is Key BenefitThe benefits these designs provide

dealers are substantial. Foremost isprotection from the elements, whetherin the north or south. “The ability to house autos within the showroombuilding out of the weather is very handy,” says Tice. In the south,

protection from rain is important, as isshade from the bright sun to help keepthe car finishes from fading, says Wolfe.

Protection from theft and vandalismalso is enhanced by storing them in a secured, durable structure. Some localmunicipalities, in fact, have instituted

ordinances against storing autos inlarge, open spaces, notes Tice. “Security measures are becoming more importanttoday,” he says. “And you can moreeasily secure your inventory in a precastconcrete structure.”

Fire safety also is enhanced by theprecast structure, notes Wolfe. Precast’sinherent fire resistance ensures it won’t contribute to a fire spreading.Double tees also can easily providethe required fire separation betweenupper auto-storage levels and lower-

level showroom and service areas. Atthe total-precast concrete design usedfor West Side Honda dealership in

Knoxville, Tenn., for instance, double

tees were deepened to 32 inches fromthe standard 24 inches to meet the firecodes. Tindall Corp. in Spartanburg,S.C., provided the precast componentsfor that 152,524-square-foot, three-story project.

Precast concrete’s durability is a significant point in its favor, especially in Florida, where building owners worry about hurricanes, notes Popper’s Lee.“Nobody can tell me that a steel-framebuilding is better,” he says. “They aremore costly, and they can’t withstand

the airborne-debris [hurricane] the way precast concrete can.”

‘You can more easily

secure your inventory

in a precast concrete structure.’

‘Nobody can tell me

that a steel-frame

building is better.’



Lexus of Watertown in Watertown, Mass., constructed a three-story precast concrete structure on a 3.6-acre site to provide sales, service and storage facilities for its inventory of cars. Northeast Concrete Products LLC in Plainville, Mass., produced the precast components.

Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in Coconut Creek, Fla., features a 207,480-square-foot total precast concrete structure to house 400 cars, as well as offices and a parts department, 45 service bays and a car wash. Coreslab Structures (MIAMI) Inc. provided the components for the project,which was designed by Popper & Associates Automotive Facilities Consultants Inc. in West Palm

Beach, Fla.

Fairbanks Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge in Tamarac, Fla., was designed to feature a two-tone showroomacross its front (with display vehicles overhead) and an expansive space for inventorying vehicles stretching out behind it. The three-story facility includes additional parking on its roof.The total-precast concrete design was constructed by Autobuilders Inc., with precast concrete components provided by Coreslab Structures (MIAMI) Inc.

Precast Aids DesignThe ability to produce long, clear

spans also aids design flexibility whenusing precast concrete components,architects say. For the Lexus of

Watertown dealership in Watertown,Mass., for instance, Regent AssociatesInc. architects used two 70-foot-long double tees to create a 140-foot-widespace that allowed for the long spansrequired for a vehicle service facility.“This was a more complicated building than the usual type that dealershipsoften build,” says designer Mark Regent, principal in the Worcester,Mass.-based design firm. “But wherereal estate is at a premium, and storagespace can’t be found, incorporating a

parking structure offers a real solution.”

Autobui lde r s ’ Wol f e ag r e e s .“These buildings are designed forcost effectiveness and efficiency.” Hiscompany uses designs that incorporateexternal speed ramps, which open uphigher-level interiors and ensure flat,easily accessible space throughout thebuilding. “We often create 75-footopen spaces using double tees,” hesays. “They ensure there are no layoutissues.”

Energy efficiency also is enhanced with the precast concrete system, Wolfenotes. “By adding more levels abovethe showroom and parts departments, we don’t have the sun beat ing downon the showroom roof,” he explains.That allows some dealers to moreeasily air-condition their service andparts departments, which works as a marketing tool to hire mechanics andother service people easier. Otherdealers are beginning to catch onto

this and air-condition their spaces tocompete for top employees, but the



The Pines Auto Plaza in Pembroke Pines, Fla., includes Lexus and GMC dealerships along with a detached body shop and car wash. The service and body-shop portions feature precast concrete joists, which allow parking on the body-shop roof. The project was designed by Winningham, Bundy & Tice Architects, with Autobuilders serving as general contractor. Photo: ©Aerial Photography, Inc.

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costs are higher without that addedoverhead protection, he says.

Even one-story structures benefit,designers say. By designing with precastconcrete components, the roof canbe used for parking autos, including employee cars. “The design frees upreal estate, making more efficient use of every square foot. If you’re creating evena one-story building and using only theground level, you’re wasting space,” saysPopper’s Lee.

Speed To Market HelpsOne of the most critical factors in

favor of precast concrete structures istheir speed to market, all agree. The

ability to cast components as site work, approvals and drawings progressallows the precast structure to beginerection as soon as everything else isready. “Everybody loves the speed,” saysTice. “Dealers are always on a tightschedule and want their showrooms tobe generating revenue.” Wolfe agrees.“Precast is way faster than any othertype of concrete,” he says. In the south,the companies work as fast as they canthrough the winter to beat the summerrains, and precast ensures that happens.

It also helps enclose the structurequickly, speeding the timetable by

which interior trades can begin work, which aids the process even more. “Wecan’t lay carpet, do interior finishes orstart drywall if it’s raining every day and we don’t have the roof on yet,” Wolfe says. “We need that roof, andprecast concrete encloses the spacequickly so we don’t have to worry aboutthat. Precast concrete’s speed is an all-important factor for us.” Tice agrees.“It’s a real benefit to get that structuralshell up so others have something to work inside of.”

Long-range maintenance needs alsohelp boost precast structural systems,reducing costs over the life of thebuilding. Designers on the Lexus of

Watertown project, for instance, briefly considered a hybrid design, with precast

panels hung on a steel frame. “But whenthe estimates came in, there was no realadvantages, especially with the long-term maintenance needs that wouldhave been required, such as keeping thesteel painted,” says Regent.

Many Finish OptionsA wide range of finish options

help precast concrete structuresblend with any existing buildings orcreate a dramatic, attention-grabbing appearance. Stone, brick and otherfinishes can be replicated easily. “Weuse a variety of finishes, and it’s never a problem,” says Tice.

Ironically, precast panels even can be

designed to replicate exterior insulationfinish systems (EIFS), such as theone used on the Lexus of Watertownshowroom, which is mandated by Lexus. “This must be the first time thata precast concrete finish had to replicatethe look of EIFS,” Regent says. A buff cement was used in the mix to createthe needed warm, gray tone that Lexusdealerships feature.

Autobuilders has used a variety of finish designs, particularly on the first-floor showroom space, which sets the

tone for visitors. “We’ve tried othermaterials, but they don’t work as well,

‘We’ve tried other

materials, but they don’t work as well, so

now we’re using precast

concrete panels as often

as possible.’



Central Florida Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge in Orlando, Fla., features an elaborate four-story design plus additional parking on the roof, using a total-precast concrete structural system. The designwas constructed by Autobuilders Inc. with precast concrete components provided by Coreslab Structures (MIAMI) Inc.

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so now we’re using precast concrete

panels as often as possible,” Wolfe says.Speed and appearance are the deciding factors. “Using precast panels on thefirst floor speeds up the process andensures a consistent look throughout thebuilding.” Using another material onthe first floor that has to be matched toupper spandrels produces unsatisfactory results, he says. “The need to paint andkeep repainting complicates the project,especially when we can achieve the look we want with precast panels.”

The range of options ensures

design flexibility, notes SeymourGage, principal at G.A.L. Associatesin Pleasantville, N.Y., the architecturaland structural engineering firm for thePepe Motors project. His firm recently completed a dealership in Schenectady,N.Y., that featured thin-brick insets onthe wall panels. “You can achieve thesame appearance with precast concreteas with other materials, so aesthetically they’re comparable.” And precast’sability to panelize the masonry ensuresa uniform, attractive look that is quickly

erected without labor congestion on thesite.

Receiving all materials from a single

source of supply not only enhancesappearance consistency and minimizessite congestion, but it ensures fewer fieldadjustments and a faster process overall,designers note. “With one supplierproviding the manufacturing, delivery and erection, the precaster offeredeverything from top to bottom, exceptfor the foundation and mechanicals,”says Gage. “It really eliminates a lot of the complexity that comes with theseprojects.”

Minimal Design ChallengesThere are some design challenges

that must be considered when creating these structures, architects pointed out.Foremost is the need to make the first

level work as a showroom and servicecenter. This requires taller ceilings,typically at least 14 feet, than a standardparking structure with retail or officespace on the first floor, explains Tice. As a result, ramps to the second andupper floors must be longer.

“Marrying this variety of functionstogether takes more design work than

a traditional showroom or parking structure would require,” says Tice.Popper’s Lee embraces the addedheight. He increases that minimum a little further and creates a mezzanine orsplit-floor design in first-floor areas thatdon’t require the extensive height of theservice department.

The other key concern is ensuring the open environment of the upperparking levels doesn’t create a problemfor the lower contained floors. “Youhave to ensure that it’s watertight, but

that can be achieved easily with topping and caulking,” says Lee. “We’ve neverhad a problem with a precast concretestructure. They won’t leak.” At WestSide Honda, factory-topped doubletees were used, with the joints caulkedand waterproofed, essentially creating a sealed rooftop for the lower floor.Upper floors also were sloped more thanis typical to provide faster drainage.

The advantages provided by thesesystems have more dealers examining the potential, say designers. “Dealersare beginning to see a precast designin their area, and they want theirown just like it,” Lee says. “There’s a great potential to do more of them. We definitely expect to do more in thefuture.” Adds Wolfe, “People are paying attention now, so there are absolutely more being done.” ■

— Craig A. Shutt

Click For More…For additional information on this story, visit www.pci.org/pdf/knowledgebank/

dealerships04.pdf . (Adobe Acrobat version 4 or greater required.)To learn more about total-precast concrete structural systems, visit the

Designer’s Knowledge Bank by clicking on the DKB icon at www.pci.org or

at your local precaster’s Web site.

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