A car dealership whose owners are calling it the largest Nissan outlet in the country recently opened in Texas where, as is well known, everything is said to be bigger.
In this case, it may well be true. Central Automotive Group’s Central Houston Nissan recently opened on a 16-acre parcel along the 610 loop and celebrated its grand opening June 12. The dealership building spans 162,500 SF.
Built by Harvey Construction, the dealership was designed by Kirksey Architects, and has some customer-focused features that are likely to be interesting to car buyers. Those features include two coffee bars, a refreshment area, three lounges, an entertainment center, and a children’s play area.
Other unique amenities of the dealership include a climate-controlled service drive, said to be singular among Houston auto dealerships; a collision center staffed with professionals certified in aluminum repair; and lifetime loaner vehicles.
“This facility will allow us to provide our customers an unprecedented level of service and a buying experience that is second to none,” said Fernando J. Somoza, platform president and managing partner of Central Automotive Group. “We look forward to the reaction of both our existing and new Nissan customers. The facility itself is stunning, and we’re incredibly proud of the work that has gone into this project.”
The dealership is sort of its own micro-economy, in that it employs so many directly and indirectly. With more than 200 employees, Central Houston Nissan is the main hub for Central Automotive Group, which includes three other Nissan dealerships and other locations as well.
The Houston-based Central Automotive Group is a family owned firm that services and sells Cadillacs and Nissans in Texas. It has 10 locations representing 14 franchises in Houston, San Juan and Austin, Texas. The company has been in business for more than 40 years.
Related Stories
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 31, 2013
Top 10 blog posts from 2013
BD+C editors and our contributors posted hundreds of blogs in 2013. Here's a recap of the most popular topics. They include valuable lessons from one of the first BIM-related lawsuits and sage advice from AEC legend Arthur Gensler.
| Dec 20, 2013
Can energy hogs still be considered efficient buildings? Yes, say engineers at Buro Happold
A new tool from the engineering firm Buro Happold takes into account both energy and economic performance of buildings for a true measure of efficiency.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.
| Nov 27, 2013
Retail renaissance: What's next?
The retail construction category, long in the doldrums, is roaring back to life. Send us your comments and projects as we prepare coverage for this exciting sector.
| Nov 27, 2013
Exclusive survey: Revenues increased at nearly half of AEC firms in 2013
Forty-six percent of the respondents to an exclusive BD+C survey of AEC professionals reported that revenues had increased this year compared to 2012, with another 24.2% saying cash flow had stayed the same.
| Nov 27, 2013
Wonder walls: 13 choices for the building envelope
BD+C editors present a roundup of the latest technologies and applications in exterior wall systems, from a tapered metal wall installation in Oklahoma to a textured precast concrete solution in North Carolina.
| Nov 26, 2013
Construction costs rise for 22nd straight month in November
Construction costs in North America rose for the 22nd consecutive month in November as labor costs continued to increase, amid growing industry concern over the tight availability of skilled workers.