Performance Auto Group (PAG)  had a vision: to develop the largest Mazda dealership in the world. To help them achieve this goal, PAG enlisted SSP Architects. Knowing that a radical transformation would be needed to its current undersized dealership, SSP worked closely with PAG to carry forward their concepts.

Conceptually, the plan was to construct a new dealership building, including a high-volume carwash, adjacent to the existing structure, which would be demolished and converted to grade parking.

However, the site’s location in a 100-year floodplain posed unique challenges for the SSP team to work through.

The design solution included an elevated first floor slab. Atypical to most car dealership designs because of this slab type, the main floor was treated similarly to the rest of the thermal envelope, adding a further challenge of protecting the underside of the floor from the elements. And due to the floodplain, all paved surfaces were designed with permeable surface to allow water to be absorbed and controlled within the site.

Beyond the challenging site requirements, PAG and SSP were able to work with Mazda to deviate from their typical prototype, allowing for a towering three-story “jewel box” car display to cap this largest worldwide Mazda dealership.