The House of Imports in Buena Park, Orange County, boasts a brand-new three-story luxury auto dealership for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. The facility spans approximately 242,000 SF and features a service center, car wash, detail bays, and elevated parking decks. The structure comprises a combination of pre-cast concrete, CMU, tilt-up concrete, and structural steel, with the most extensive panel weighing over 331,000 pounds and the most considerable footing measuring 390 cubic yards. A wall system made of aluminum louvers/fins, designed for architectural purposes, extends along the frontage facing the freeway.
SPARC+ Architecture Studios designed the project, which required a 7-acre update of the entire site to meet fire code, grading, stormwater, and utility requirements. The original site was constructed 50 years ago, and despite several development projects since then, unresolved issues came to light during the planning phase for this project.
“AutoNation is the largest and most recognized automotive retailer in the United States. The company prides itself on bold leadership, innovation, and comprehensive brand extensions.”
A cutting-edge automotive dealership and service center for Mossy – Chrysler Dodge Ram and Jeep in Chula Vista, comprising a total area of 54,400 square feet and 283,500 square feet of related site enhancements. The structure was built using a combination of CMU and steel, finished with ACM panels, and incorporates unique dealership finishes. In addition, the project includes a showroom, parts area, storage space, and customer service building.
Once occupied by Jaguar, this area now houses a new 9,700 square feet Ferrari and Maserati dealership. The dealership includes a reception, two display areas, two configuration areas, a lounge, a merchandising area, and several offices. Devoted to its roots, the interior finishes include Italian Fiandre floor tiles and Italian Grazi Cristalli glass throughout the offices and lounge. To give the dealership glossy finish, components such as radius soffits, radius glass, flush plasma screens and flush display niches were installed throughout the dealership. The exterior of the building received new grey ACM panels at the front and back end of the dealership along with an upgrade to the service drive.
This project required the renovation of a historic building, originally constructed in 1916, that has been an auto retailing location since 1935. The existing seven-story with rooftop parking was extensively remodeled into a top-of-the-line Nissan Infiniti dealership. The interior of the facility was completely demolished and received all new finishes throughout. Features of the project include separate service drives for Nissan and Infiniti brands, a 4,000 square foot parts department, 22 services bays with 15 lifts, 6 detail bays, 8 service advisor stations, parking for 425 vehicles, and 9 electric charging stations.
The exterior was also rejuvenated with the installation of new windows, a new exterior finish, and custom signage.
The full tenant improvement included a remodel and expansion of the existing covered patio to increase showroom square footage. Finishes included new flooring, walls, and millwork. The exterior parking lots also needed a face lift. Under construction during the pandemic, the remodel presented a variety of unique challenges including a city shutdown and delayed permit approvals. The dealership remained operational during construction and temporary facilities were supplied by Lusardi.
The complex is home to 13 different manufacturers, all under the United Auto Group umbrella: Porsche, BMW, BMW Minis, Bentley, Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston-Martin, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Acura, and Volkswagen. Each dealership has its own showroom, service area, and parts department that was fully built-out. Construction type was masonry and steel, with the exception of one large service building for Premier Auto Group which was two-story, concrete tilt-up. Glass was used extensively throughout the project.
The CarMax/Lusardi relationship began in 2007 with the CarMax Riverside store. Since that time Lusardi has acted as design/builder on more CarMax stores across the United States. The projects include full showrooms, complete service areas, parts departments, presentation lanes, and “Final Quality Control/Car Wash” buildings. In addition, we have constructed parking structures for CarMax to provide additional vehicle storage. Not only have we demonstrated our top-quality work on the CarMax projects, each project has been delivered on time and under budget. Having completed many projects with CarMax, we look forward to more to come in the future.
The Volkswagen of Palm Springs is a prime dealership offering 21,000 square feet of showroom, service, and storage serving Cathedral City, California. The automotive center is constructed of masonry, storefront glass with finishes including ACM panels and lath and plaster. During construction, Lusardi encountered many power lines through the site and the building footprint. Lusardi worked proactively with the city, utility company, and owner to devise a plan to relocate the existing power lines. In order to avoid any further delays in the schedule, Lusardi moved onsite and worked around the existing power lines where possible until a resolution was agreed upon.