When Alfred and Maritia Keeling purchased the Longhorn Harley-Davidson dealership in 2005, they had big plans to make the Grand Prairie, Texas store a success. Their plans have paid off; in only their second year of ownership Alfred and Maritia received the Harley-Davidson Motor Company 2007 Vehicle Sales Dealer of the Year Award for the Plains Region, besting other dealerships across central United States.
As part of their dealership purchase, Alfred and Maritia agreed to locate in a more suitable property. Their 15,000 SF existing building was jammed with motorcycles and products, with no room to grow. The storage and service areas for the motorcycles were extremely limited as well. “We looked into expanding the store first,” said Alfred Keeling, “but we quickly realized that it would be better in the long run if we moved to a new location altogether.”
As of July 4, Longhorn’s new home is a 38,000 SF custom-designed building just a quarter-mile down the road from their previous dealership. Bob Moore Construction was the design/build contractor for the new Longhorn Harley-Davidson dealership. The architect was Avant Design Group, Inc.
The building’s interior is finished in a rustic Texas design, with stone, wood and chemically-distressed corrugated metal accents and Lone Star décor throughout the building. Enhancing the rustic feel, the wood used for interior design accents came from a 100 year-old barn in Wisconsin.
While the décor is old, the building features the newest in retail technologies. The main showroom features multiple LCD panels that show video clips and product information that are downloaded by satellite from Harley-Davidson’s corporate offices every day. The main sales area provides twice the space of the previous building for the display of motorcycles, sportswear and gifts and collectibles. Sales offices line the front of the main showroom and a large parts display space showcases various customization options for bike owners.
A second floor showroom offers a more private shopping opportunity, an enclosed setting with windows overlooking the main showroom and space for dozens more motorcycles on display. Also on the second floor are several storage rooms, administrative offices, employee break room and the HOG room, a relaxation area for Harley Owners Group members, complete with pool table and sofa. The two floors are connected with an elevator and a grand staircase in the center of the store.
“We couldn’t be happier with Bob Moore Construction,” said Alfred. “Curt is very detail-oriented and he has the respect of his subcontractors. Ed McGuire (Vice President of Construction) and Greg Dalhaug both did a great job as well. We had to move in on time and they made it happen. This building was a dream of mine and I’m very proud of how it turned out. The ultimate compliment I can give is that in two years when we get ready to build another new dealership, I already know that Bob Moore Construction will be doing it for us.”
About Bob Moore Construction
A recipient of the QUOIN / AGC General Contractor of the Year Award, the QUOIN / AGC Summit Award for Construction Excellence and the Texas Building Branch-AGC Outstanding Construction Award, Bob Moore Construction has been one of the most respected commercial construction companies in Texas since 1946. A leading proponent of jobsite safety, Bob Moore Construction became one of only five general contractors in North Texas to be accepted into the OSHA Local Partnership program in 2007. The company’s portfolio includes a wide range of buildings, from warehouses and distribution centers to office buildings and retail stores. Whether it is providing general contractor, design / build or construction management services, Bob Moore Construction’s goal remains the same: to deliver quality construction projects on time and in budget. Thanks to this focus on customer satisfaction and integrity, Bob Moore Construction celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2006. Bob Moore Construction company has been showcased on Construction Company.com, a website that recognizes some of the top ranked construction companies and commercial contractors in the United States. General Contractor.com is the best source of information about the commercial construction company, its projects and more. The website is updated regularly with press releases, newsletters, completed project write-ups and construction articles.
Contact:
Bob Moore Construction, Inc.
Jeff Schaefer, Information Manager
1110 North Watson Road
Arlington, Texas 76011
Phone: (817) 640-1200
Fax: (817) 640-1250
jschaefer (at) generalcontractor (dot) com
