Now more than ever, successful retail is about creating an experience. When Louisville’s Mercedes-Benz dealership moved 15 miles from its original location to a brand-new site along the city’s main freeway, an experience is exactly what they were after. Gresham Smith provided site planning, civil engineering and landscape architecture services for the more than seven-acre site, incorporating a variety of outdoor amenity spaces that create a next-level experience for prospective car buyers, existing clients and employees alike.

Client

Matrix Development, LLC

Location

Louisville, KY

7.34

acres

468

inventory spaces

One

of a kind experience

Creating an Experience

Creating an Experience

Our 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. Additionally, the dealership’s large, open plaza for staging cars doubles as an event space, while poured-in-place concrete benches provide seating for visitors.
Mixing Materials

Mixing Materials

The design team applied a variety of materials throughout the project. We combined cobblestones, asphalt, concrete and three different types of pavers with trees and native planting areas, rather than traditional black pavement, to create both contrast and cohesion.
Lighting the Way

Lighting the Way

Car buyers often visit dealerships at night, making lighting a critical component of the dealership’s design. Lighted bollards define the show space while overhead lights illuminate the cars while not impacting views.

Testimonials

“Now more than ever, success in retail is about creating an exceptional experience for both our guests and our staff. The entire campus is designed to offer optimum functionality, comfort and convenience. We thank Gresham Smith for bringing our vision to life.”

David Peterson, Owner, Mercedes Benz of Louisville, Inc.