Upper Valley Honda – A Ground-Up Honda Dealership Project

Building the Future of Automotive Excellence: Upper Valley Honda

In the ever-evolving automotive industry, a dealership is more than just a place to buy cars—it's a space that fosters trust, enhances customer experience, and represents a brand’s commitment to quality. Upper Valley Honda, a newly constructed 34,690 SF facility in White River Junction, Vermont, exemplifies this philosophy. Jewett Construction worked closely with Gengras Motor Cars and our partners at PRAXIS3 to create a dealership that blends modern design, sustainability, and customer convenience.

A Ground-Up Build with Strategic Vision

When planning a new dealership from the ground up, location and design play pivotal roles. Upper Valley Honda is strategically positioned on a 4.75-acre site, ensuring ample space for vehicle inventory, service operations, and customer parking. The project involved a full-scale design-build approach, allowing for a seamless integration of architectural and construction elements.

From the initial site evaluation to the final touches, Jewett Construction ensured that the dealership met both Honda’s corporate identity standards and the practical needs of its operators. Every design decision was made with efficiency, aesthetics, and long-term usability in mind.

Emphasizing Customer Experience and Operational Flow

One of the most important aspects of dealership design is how well it facilitates the customer journey. At Upper Valley Honda, every space was intentionally planned to enhance convenience and comfort. Key features of the new facility include:

• A spacious showroom designed for vehicle display and customer interaction.
• 23 high-tech service bays for efficient vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• Dedicated areas for financing and consultations.
• A welcoming customer lounge with modern amenities.

The showroom layout was carefully crafted to provide maximum visibility for Honda’s lineup, ensuring that customers can explore different models in a well-lit, open environment. The service area was also designed with functionality in mind, allowing for smooth vehicle intake and workflow management.

Commitment to Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Environmental responsibility is becoming an essential aspect of modern construction, especially in large commercial facilities. Upper Valley Honda incorporates several green initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs.

One of the most notable sustainability features of the dealership is its 138-kilowatt DC, net-metered photovoltaic (PV) system. This solar energy system is designed to generate approximately 169,700 kWhs of electricity in its first full year of operation, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.

Other environmentally friendly elements integrated into the design include:

• High-efficiency LED lighting systems to minimize electricity consumption.
• Advanced insulation materials for improved temperature control.
• Energy-efficient HVAC systems that reduce waste and optimize airflow.

By prioritizing sustainability, Upper Valley Honda not only lowers its environmental impact but also improves cost savings over time, making it a smart investment for both the dealership and its customers.

Overcoming Construction Challenges with Precision

Every large-scale construction project comes with its challenges, and Upper Valley Honda was no exception. The site required extensive preparation, including grading and foundation work to ensure long-term stability. Additionally, coordinating between multiple teams—from architects and engineers to subcontractors and city planners—was essential to keeping the project on schedule.

Jewett Construction's experience in automotive construction allowed for proactive problem-solving and efficient communication throughout the process. By leveraging a design-build approach, our team was able to maintain a streamlined workflow, ensuring that each phase of the project progressed without delays.

Blending Modern Aesthetics with Honda’s Brand Identity

Automotive dealerships must adhere to strict corporate branding guidelines while also incorporating local design elements. Upper Valley Honda successfully achieves this balance, offering a modern, sleek exterior that aligns with Honda’s national image program while also reflecting the character of its Vermont surroundings.

The building features a combination of:

• Glass curtain walls to enhance natural lighting and visibility.
• Honda’s signature blue exterior paneling for a bold, recognizable look.
• Polished concrete flooring and contemporary finishes for a clean, professional atmosphere.

These elements contribute to a space that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional, providing an enjoyable experience for both customers and employees.

A Customer-Centric Service Department

Upper Valley Honda’s service department was designed to accommodate a high volume of vehicles while maintaining efficiency and organization. The inclusion of 23 service bays ensures that technicians can work on multiple vehicles simultaneously, reducing customer wait times.

Key upgrades in the service area include:

• State-of-the-art diagnostic and repair equipment.
• Dedicated service advisor workstations to streamline communication.
• A modernized parts storage system for quick access to essential components.

For customers, the waiting area includes comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and refreshment stations, creating a pleasant and stress-free service experience.

Seamless Integration of Technology

Modern dealerships rely on technology to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency. Upper Valley Honda integrates several high-tech features throughout the facility, including:

• Digital kiosks for browsing inventory and booking test drives.
• Automated service scheduling to streamline appointments.
• Real-time energy monitoring systems to track efficiency.

These innovations help create a dealership that is as forward-thinking as the vehicles it sells, ensuring that customers have access to a high-tech, user-friendly environment.

Building a Lasting Presence in White River Junction

Upper Valley Honda represents more than just a new dealership—it’s a long-term investment in the local community. The construction of this facility not only creates jobs but also contributes to the economic growth of White River Junction.

Jewett Construction takes pride in delivering projects that make a meaningful impact, and Upper Valley Honda is a perfect example of this commitment. By combining industry expertise, modern construction techniques, and a focus on customer experience, we have helped create a dealership that will serve Vermont drivers for years to come.

Looking Ahead: A Dealership Ready for the Future

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, dealerships must be prepared to adapt. Upper Valley Honda’s design ensures that it can accommodate future advancements in vehicle technology, including the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid models.

Future-ready features include:

• EV charging stations to support sustainable transportation.
• Flexible showroom layouts for evolving inventory needs.
• Scalable technology systems that allow for future upgrades.

With these considerations in place, Upper Valley Honda is well-positioned to remain a leader in the automotive market, offering cutting-edge service and an exceptional customer experience.

A Model for Future Automotive Dealerships

The success of the Upper Valley Honda project serves as a model for future dealership construction. By prioritizing sustainability, customer experience, and operational efficiency, Jewett Construction has delivered a facility that exceeds industry standards.

As the automotive landscape shifts towards more eco-friendly and technologically advanced solutions, dealerships must follow suit. Upper Valley Honda stands as a testament to what is possible when innovation, strategy, and expert craftsmanship come together.

Jewett Construction is honored to have played a role in bringing this vision to life. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building spaces that drive success—one project at a time.