LRS Architects designs Ron Tonkin Toyota and Mazda building

With the economy improving slowly, many metro-area auto dealerships are turning to LRS Architects for facility remodels; in fact, the firm is presently designing 11. One is a $5.6 million project for the Ron Tonkin Toyota and Mazda building in Southeast Portland.

Danny Drake, project manager at LRS, said the building presents a unique set of challenges because it will accommodate more than one car manufacturer.

“The challenge is working with the owners and balancing the way they work their businesses with the manufacturers and what they want to see with their brand,” he said. “Mazda is a little more open and edgy, while Toyota wants a more relaxed experience.”

For the “edgy” aesthetic, Drake said the firm gave the Mazda half of the 66,000-square-foot facility bright colors and more metal on finishes. He said the Toyota half will have more traditional finishes and a sweeping portal wall to invite and direct customers into the sale or service areas.

Both franchises will be reconfigured to provide an open interior that connects the sales and services area. All the finishes in the building – including the accent ceilings, metal panels and the floor tile – will be replaced.

“The economy is picking up and there are better demands for certain models, so the owners want to provide the customers with a better experience,” Drake said.

Outside of the building, the existing canopy will be replaced, a new portal entry to the Toyota side will be installed and a two-story jewel box display for Mazda’s side will be added. To meet city design requirements, the streetscape area in front of the building is designed to be more pedestrian and biker friendly, with wider sidewalks and more trees. Stormwater infiltration planters will be used throughout the property to lessen the impact on the city’s systems, and the floors of the showrooms will be made of 95 percent recyclable material.

The project is in phase one of construction and is expected to finish late this year.

“On the Boards” is a weekly feature that spotlights local firms’ best design work. Submissions from architectural and engineering firms are encouraged. Please call 503-802-7240 or email ontheboards@djcOregon.com.

What is the Owner First Award of Excellence?

The Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence is the highest award presented by Nissan North America to Nissan Dealers. This award recognized Nissan’s top Dealers from across the nation who were able to meet the high standards of achievement for the Owner First Award of Excellence. It recognizes those Dealerships that embody the philosophy and vision for Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence and endeavor to provide our customers with an outstanding ownership experience; from the showroom through every aspect of the dealership. Basically, putting our owners first. Tonkin Wilsonville Nissan is the proud recipient of this award 3 years in a row: 2010, 2011 & 2012!.

Scores for Dealerships were measured on a multitude of criteria including Nissan’s Owner First survey, which was sent to each of our customers following the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle or service on their current Nissan.

The Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence dealers are recognized for consistently living up to the high standards of excellence. ]]> http://www.tonkintalk.com/tonkin-wilsonville-nissan-receives-nissan-owner-first-award-of-excellence-for-2012/feed/ 0 http://www.tonkintalk.com/ron-tonkin-acura-awarded-dealership-of-distinction-honors/ http://www.tonkintalk.com/ron-tonkin-acura-awarded-dealership-of-distinction-honors/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:01:40 +0000 admin http://www.tonkintalk.com/?p=656 Ron Tonkin Acura Awarded Dealership of Distinction Honors

Yes, her story is very complimentary of our dealership.  Thank you, Teah Smith.

Most importantly, she speaks to the safety and desirability of the Hyundai Sonata based upon her recent experiences.  This is a story that can be very helpful to people struggling with not just the financial decisions involved in their next vehicle purchase, but with the most important element involved in their next vehicle purchase–the safety and serenity of the vehicle’s passengers.

To the folks at Hyundai,

Over the weekend I think my husband and I went to about 10 different dealerships.  The customer sevice is exactly what you expect from a dealership.  We were at our wits end and wanted to give up on finding a car.  Can’t really do that when you need to find something to drive. 

We came into your dealership yesterday… and right off the bat the sales man made us feel comfortable with his down to earth personality and no pressure what so ever to buy.  His name is Cameron Hollis.  I thank him for making it a pleasureable experience.

I also want to thank… I don’t know is name, but we were just about to leave because there was one more car that I wanted to look at.  Well the man said “what will it take for you to not leave”.  We jokingly said “drop the price to $6,500″.  He opened the door and said… lets see what we can do”.  We figuered we were already there, so why not.  We were offered coffee and really didn’t think we would leave with what we wanted to pay.  Well yes, there was a little wheelin and dealin but I had fun doing it.  We got the price down to what we were willing to pay.  After looking at [Kelley] blue book… I think we bought it for $2,000 under.  How awesome is that!

Now to the most important part to me.  A couple weeks ago I was in a roll over accident and it totalled my car and I had some minor injuries.  Mentally is where it messed me up the most.  It was very hard for me to drive after that.  I kept picturing the accident in my head.  It was an awful experience. 

Anyhow, to my point.  We bought a 2008 Hyundai sonata.  This morning I drove my daughter to school and I didn’t think about my accident at all.  All I could think about was how this car made me feel like I was driving on a cloud.  It’s so comfortable and smooth.  Most of all, I felt safe.  I want to go out and do a road trip just because I like driving it so much. 

Thank you to Cameron for making us feel comfortable and thank you the man that opened the door and said “lets see what we can do”.  I am very happy we chose to stay.  Can’t imagine driving anything else now.  Thank you all so much.

Teah Smith

Check out the All-New Completely Redesign Honda CR-V

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