Challenges

• Convert one of the company's prime corner locations in East Hartford into a hip, modern Gengras Harley Davidson dealership.
   
• Completely gut and rehabilitate two existing buildings and include new concrete slabs, roofs, insulation, windows, doors and selected walls
   
• Connect the two older structures with a new 24,000-foot structure and provide areas for offices, the showroom, a retail clothing department and a service area for motorcycle maintenance and repair
   
• Complete the project in time for Gengras Motors to move their existing Harley product line from a leased site to the new facility without incurring late move penalties
   
• Resolve unsuitable and contaminated soils, which delayed the project for three weeks
   
• Deal with customs snafus in Germany and Canada that held up deliveries of the unique lighting fixtures and finishes that were specified by Harley-Davidson's national office

The Solidus Approach

• Completed comprehensive scenario planning
   
• Hired an outside consultant and additional manpower at no additional cost to the client to assure construction would be perfect and on schedule
   
• Used new exterior finishes, stucco treatments, windows, doors, and paint colors to unify the existing separate structures and highlight the beautiful new brick and glass showroom exterior
   
• Stockpiled materials until a suitable hazardous waste disposal area was identified and the materials could be moved
   
• Communicated daily with Customs officials in the U.S., Canada and Germany to facilitate delivery of the lighting fixtures and specialty finishes
   
• Custom designed and built solid mahogany counters and specialty high-end treatments for the lounges and restrooms

Results

• Gengras Harley Davidson moved into their new space on schedule and under budget.
   
• The Harley showroom includes a Cookhouse Café, which Gengras Harley Davidson contracted Solidus to build after completion of the initial facility.
   
• Individual service work areas incorporate the latest electronics, hydraulic lifts and air exchange hoods.

D/B/F Capabilities Applied

• Initial Assessment
• Furniture
• Flooring
• Construction