Metal buildings keep vehicle businesses moving

By Jesse Sanchez. 

From clearspan interiors to phased construction, metal building systems give vehicle sales and service facilities flexibility for operations, growth and design. 

Vehicle dealerships and service centers require buildings that can accommodate everything from customer-facing showrooms to large service bays and specialty work areas. A case study from Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) highlights how metal building systems can meet those varied needs while supporting efficient construction, adaptable interiors and distinctive architectural design. 

Among the primary advantages outlined by MBMA is clearspan construction, which eliminates interior columns and makes it easier to move vehicles through a facility. The systems can also incorporate different shapes, colors and exterior materials, giving owners flexibility to create either a high-design dealership or a more straightforward service facility. Metal roofs can also support solar panels, while building layouts can be expanded as businesses grow. 

Those benefits came together at Deacon’s Chrysler Jeep in Mayfield Village, Ohio. The 27,735-square-foot dealership combines a red brick exterior with glass, aluminum and precast concrete accents, along with a standing seam insulated metal roof. The project also had to remain operational during construction while meeting budget requirements and design standards from both Mayfield Village and Chrysler. 

Construction was completed in three phases. New showroom and customer service areas were built before the original structure was demolished, while a temporary wall separated old and new service departments. The completed facility ultimately included a 21-bay service area and car wash. 

“In our experience, metal building structures are ideally suited to these types of requirements,” said Randy Smith of Davison Smith Certo Architects. He noted that the system’s clearspans and ability to support phased construction were particularly important to maintaining dealership operations. 

The MBMA case study also profiles recreational vehicle centers, collision shops, motorcycle dealerships and heavy equipment facilities, demonstrating the range of vehicle-related applications possible with metal building systems. 

Learn more about MBMA’s vehicle sales and service case studies!