The auto dealership landscape is changing. In growing cities like Nashville, dealership owners and developers are looking for ways to stand out by pursuing ground-up builds, major expansions, or complete branding renovations. But dealership construction isn’t simple. From MEP systems that support service bays to showroom designs that elevate customer experience, every detail matters.
At Crain Construction, we’ve been helping dealership owners navigate these challenges and opportunities for many years. We bring decades of experience, deep local knowledge, and a reputation for delivering high-quality results. Whether it’s a luxury brand like Ferrari or a long-standing partnership like Lexus, we’ve learned a lot when it comes to building a new dealership or executing a successful dealership renovation in a way that reflects the performance and precision of the automotive brands we represent.
Dealerships That Stand the Test of Time
Crain Construction has had a long-standing relationship with Performance Automotive, starting with the original construction of Lexus of Cool Springs in 1997. More than two decades later, we returned to complete a major renovation in 2020.
The renovation included a new roof for both the service and showroom areas, a new car delivery space, and an upgraded customer lounge. We also added square footage to the sales floor and offices, bringing the total to 27,555 square feet. Our ability to modernize the space while minimizing disruption helped the dealership continue to deliver high-end service throughout the process.
Lexus of Nashville – Metro Center
In 2012, we partnered with Lexus to bring their first full-service retail and service center to Nashville’s urban core. This 58,000-square-foot dealership was a strategic move to expand Lexus’ presence in the heart of the city.
The design and construction aligned with Lexus’ brand standards while meeting the logistical challenges of building in a more complex urban environment. This project demonstrated Crain’s ability to help automotive brands grow in Nashville’s evolving and competitive real estate landscape.
Prancing Horse of Nashville – Ferrari Dealership
Completed in 2022, the Prancing Horse Ferrari dealership is one of the most distinctive projects in our portfolio. The 43,339-square-foot facility was built to reflect the luxury, performance, and heritage of the Ferrari brand.
What made this project truly unique was the challenge of sourcing high-end materials from across the globe during the peak of the supply chain crisis. We managed logistics for tile and furnishings from Italy, specialty glass from Spain, and custom lighting from France. To avoid delays, our team implemented several creative procurement strategies. We also secured dedicated shipping containers, reserved multiple ship dates across ports, and arranged expedited trucking to ensure materials arrived on site in time.
This project earned Crain Construction the AGC Award of Excellence and showcased our ability to deliver under pressure while maintaining the standards of a world-class brand.
Toyota of Cool Springs – Expansion and Redesign
In 2024, we partnered with Toyota of Cool Springs to execute a major expansion and redesign of their facility. The dealership remained operational during construction, which meant we had to plan around staff, customers, and vehicle traffic every day.
We worked closely with the local team and the larger ownership group to maintain operations while safely performing demolition, construction, and renovations. That kind of coordination requires a trusted partner who communicates clearly and plans with precision.
What Sets Crain Apart in Dealership Construction
We understand that when you’re building or renovating a dealership, you’re focused on preserving your brand image, improving the customer experience, and minimizing downtime. Here’s what you can expect when working with Crain:
Passionate Craftsmanship That Reflects Your Brand
Every square foot of your dealership should reflect the standards of the vehicles you sell. From polished showrooms to high-performance service areas, we build with care and attention to detail.
Proactive, Problem-Solving Mindset
Construction comes with challenges. Our team is known for identifying potential issues early and providing smart solutions to avoid delays or added costs.
We take a relationship-first approach. That means listening to your goals, aligning with your team, and working collaboratively with architects, engineers, and vendors.
Clear Communication from Start to Finish
You shouldn’t have to chase down updates or wonder what comes next. We keep the process moving forward with consistent, transparent communication so you can stay focused on your business.
Let’s Build Something That Drives Your Brand Forward
Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or renovating your auto dealership, Crain Construction has the experience and insight to make it happen. We’re proud to partner with top-performing brands and owners across Middle Tennessee, delivering dealership facilities that meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s expectations.
Ready to get started? Contact our team to learn how Crain can help bring your next automotive project to life.
