Car dealerships continue to be a market segment that poses well for concrete parking lots, reports NRMCA Vice President, National Resources, Amy Miller. Gordon Singletary, special products representative with NRMCA Producer member S&W Ready Mix, identified an Audi dealership project to be built in the Wilimington, NC, area. Singletary then teamed NRMCA Contractor member Swederski Contracting to pursue the concrete option. Singletary and Swederski prepared a concrete proposal to which the owner was receptive. The idea of using concrete over asphalt was favorable to the owner and to the architect who was considering some decorative options for the "outdoor showroom area."  

Although Singletary and Swederski’s proposal for the parking lot was accepted, the general contractor eventually chose another concrete contractor. S&W supplied the concrete for the modern and clean look of the parking lot that complimented the sleek architecture of the building. "The owner even chose LED lighting to boot," Miller said. "National Account owners tell us they believe there is a synergy with LED lighting and concrete paving; that asphalt ‘gobbles up’ the lighting. The higher reflectivity and cooler pavements of concrete offers car dealerships (see pic above, courtesy of Frank Hart) an edge in displaying their merchandise as well as additional comfort for the buyer in viewing."

For more information, contact Amy Miller at amiller@nrmca.org.