Motorwerks Mini Cooper Building: Structural & Civil Engineering for Modern Dealerships

Project Overview

BKBM provided structural and civil engineering services for the development of a new Motorwerks Mini Cooper dealership in Golden Valley, MN. The project aimed to deliver a high-performance, contemporary automotive retail and service facility.

Project Highlights

  • Automotive Dealership & Service Center:
    • Single-level building with mezzanine showroom and auto shop, totaling approximately 35,000 square feet.
    • Facility includes specialized areas for car wash, detailing, alignment, and lift bays, necessitating non-typical slab detailing for heavy equipment and shop use.
  • Structural Systems:
    • Slab on grade supported by aggregate piers and steel piles to accommodate poor soil conditions and prevent settlement.
    • Building foundations constructed with grade beams for robust, long-term support.
    • Superstructure utilizes masonry, cast-in-place concrete, structural steel framing, light gauge members, and form deck on steel joists.
  • Civil Design Solutions:
    • Site design incorporated grading, drainage, and utility layouts tailored to the automotive use and site constraints.
    • Efficient coordination of access, drive lanes, and parking for both customer and service operations.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM’s approach addressed the challenges of heavy live loads, site soil limitations, and the specialized requirements of a modern auto dealership and service center. Custom slab and foundation detailing ensured safety, durability, and optimal function for all service bays.

Results & Impact

The Motorwerks Mini Cooper Building stands as a well-engineered, functional, and visually appealing facility that supports high-quality automotive sales and service. BKBM’s integrated structural and civil engineering solutions provided a strong foundation for operational efficiency and long-lasting value.