Outdoor Showroom Design at Mercedes-Benz Dealership of Louisville Creates Next-Level Car Buying Experience
Gresham Smith is proud to announce the completion of the new Mercedes-Benz Dealership of Louisville. The firm provided site planning, landscape architecture and civil engineering services for the more than seven-acre site, which sits on the city’s beltway. Gresham Smith’s team incorporated a variety of outdoor amenity spaces as part of an “outdoor showroom,” creating a next-level experience for prospective car buyers, existing clients and employees alike.
“Now more than ever, success in retail is about creating an exceptional experience for both our guests and our staff,” said David Peterson, owner, Mercedes-Benz of Louisville, Inc. “The entire campus is designed to offer optimum functionality, comfort and convenience. We thank Gresham Smith for bringing our vision to life.”
“Our goal throughout the project was to provide a car buying atmosphere unlike any other,” said Patrick Henry, PLA, ASLA, landscape architect, Gresham Smith. “Challenged by the Mercedes-Benz tag line of ‘the best or nothing,’ we carefully balanced cost-effectiveness and functionality with aesthetics, materials and culture to create a space that is equally enjoyable for both our client and the people who experience the space. It’s exciting to now see that the dealership is being used in the way we envisioned.”
For a unique customer experience, the Gresham Smith team created a flexible plaza that can be used in a variety of ways depending on the dealership’s needs. Shaped by low hedges, cast-in-place concrete benches and large planters, the outdoor space can showcase a small selection of cars to the full Mercedes line during special sales. The plaza can also transform into an event space, perfect for hosting customer appreciation events.
To help create a new buyer experience, Gresham Smith’s project team incorporated “car bars” into the design, outdoor spaces where staff can connect with current and prospective clients. The tall, covered tables feature built-in charging stations, wi-fi hotspots and TV monitors for added convenience.
Gresham Smith has completed numerous engineering and landscape architecture projects in Louisville, including the city’s Urban Bike Network and improvements to the Olmsted Parkways, Rsquared 40212/Produce Park and Beechwood Park. Additionally, the firm is currently working with the Louisville Central Community Center on the Muhammad Ali Arts & Cultural District Master Plan.
