Van Horn Automotive Group’s new Honda dealership in Glendale, Wisconsin transformed a seven‑acre site into one of the nation’s first facilities built under Honda’s updated image program. The Redmond Company led the design and construction of the project, delivering a modern, operationally efficient dealership tailored to Honda’s standards and Van Horn’s customer‑service priorities.

The completed building includes a 45,200‑sf main floor and an 8,000‑sf second level, creating a bright, daylit showroom and a high‑capacity service environment. The dealership provides an air-conditioned, 32 service bay area (2.5 times the capacity of the previous location) with natural light, three indoor service reception lanes, a four‑stall new‑car delivery area with an integrated EV charging station, and more than 400 parking spaces. Additional features include a full‑service car wash, a quick‑check alignment station, and a customer lounge with varied seating and hospitality options.

Several design solutions enhance daily operations and customer experience. One‑way glass between the showroom and second‑floor break rooms and conference spaces improves visibility while maintaining privacy. An in‑floor vehicle exhaust system supports service efficiency, and a centralized master control allows staff to shut off lights, equipment, and overhead doors in the service wing from a single location. Automated door controls add further convenience and security.

The site’s history as a former landfill required a specialized foundation system using more than 400 Geopiers to stabilize the building. Redmond also adapted Honda’s Blue Stage Canopy system for Wisconsin’s climate, developing a modified design that prevents ice and snow accumulation while maintaining required brand aesthetics. As one of the first designers implementing Honda’s updated image program, Redmond worked closely with Honda to ensure all solutions met both brand and operational requirements.

Throughout the project, Redmond applied a value‑engineering approach to identify alternative design and material options that met Honda’s standards while optimizing costs for Van Horn. Splitting the project into multiple bid packages allowed construction to begin earlier, and the existing facility remained operational throughout construction to maintain business continuity until the new dealership was ready for a seamless transition. Redmond’s experience designing and constructing automotive facilities provided the client confidence that the new dealership would meet manufacturer standards while supporting Van Horn’s long‑term operational goals.

The completed Glendale dealership reflects Van Horn’s commitment to delivering a modern, customer‑focused automotive experience and demonstrates Redmond’s ability to execute complex, brand‑driven design/build projects with precision and reliability.

Photographer:  James Meyer Photography

Originally previewed at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, a virtual fly‑through highlights the design rendering of Van Horn Honda’s two‑story showroom, natural‑light interior, and 32‑bay service area. The fly‑through is available here on The Redmond Company’s YouTube channel.