17,000 SF | 3 Stories | Automotive Sales & Service
Penney Design Group is proud to showcase Select Auto Imports in Alexandria, Virginia—a striking, three-story, 17,000-square-foot automotive sales and service facility that redefines the customer experience in the luxury pre-owned auto market.
Turning Constraints into Opportunities
The project’s narrow, irregular site along Richmond Highway required a high degree of ingenuity in both design and construction. Bordered by commercial neighbors and shaped by zoning and access limitations, the lot demanded a compact but impactful footprint. Our design team transformed these constraints into opportunities, employing a vertical stacking strategy to consolidate showroom, office, and service functions within a cohesive architectural envelope.
Vehicle access and circulation were carefully choreographed to ensure seamless movement on the tight site, while pedestrian access was emphasized through a prominent entry plaza and refined urban frontage. Structural creativity played a major role: the stairwell, for instance, features expressive interior cross-bracing that doubles as both a seismic element and a bold architectural feature.
A Thoughtful Approach to Environmental Design
While not formally certified, Select Auto Imports reflects several principles of sustainable design. First and foremost, the project revitalizes a previously developed urban site—leveraging existing infrastructure rather than consuming undisturbed land. This commitment to adaptive site reuse supports a more sustainable growth model in Northern Virginia’s commercial corridor.
Natural daylighting was a key priority in the design. Expansive, high-performance glazing reduces the need for artificial lighting and enhances occupant well-being, while energy-efficient mechanical systems and LED lighting reduce the facility’s environmental footprint. Materials were selected not only for durability and aesthetics but also for their low-maintenance and long-life-cycle characteristics—minimizing waste over time.
Stormwater management strategies were also considered in the site design, with careful grading and drainage integrated to meet local environmental requirements and reduce runoff impacts.
Form, Façade, and First Impressions
The building’s exterior is a modern composition of clean lines, contrasting textures, and bold geometry. The sleek façade combines smooth architectural panels, high-performance glazing, and metal screening to create an identity that is both elegant and assertive. The black and silver palette offers a restrained sophistication, allowing the luxury vehicles inside to take center stage while still projecting a strong visual presence from the street.
At the entry, a tall vertical glass volume announces the main stair tower, becoming a beacon from Richmond Highway and inviting guests into the space. The form is dynamic yet composed—featuring subtle cantilevers, layered masses, and crisp detailing that express the precision and performance values of the dealership brand.
Elevated Interiors with Purpose
The refined materiality of the exterior continues inside. Expansive glazing, contemporary surfaces, and a light-filled interior palette create a welcoming environment that mirrors the quality of the vehicles on display. Glass-front sales offices provide openness and transparency, while warm woods and textured finishes add richness and contrast.
One standout element is the “coffee stop” area, clad in a textured black wave tile that introduces a tactile moment of hospitality within the retail space. It’s one of several thoughtful design gestures aimed at enhancing the customer experience.
The restroom finishes deserve special mention. Clean-lined contemporary tilework and full-height doors offer a level of privacy and elegance more commonly found in hospitality settings—a trend we hope to see adopted more broadly across the auto dealership sector.
Crafted in Collaboration
To complete the interiors, we teamed with Global Commercial Furnishings—a national leader in commercial-grade furniture, custom millwork, and Cambria quartz surfaces. Their craftsmanship and materials expertise were integral in translating our design vision into a cohesive, elevated customer environment. From custom sales desks to built-in cabinetry and reception pieces, every detail was carefully curated for both form and function.
We also worked closely with a talented team of engineers to support the technical execution of the project. The civil engineer was Tri-Tek Engineering Inc., the structural engineer was Tarantino Engineering Consultants, and the MEP engineer was Integrated Design Consultants.
A Dealership That Reflects the Brand
More than just a sales floor, Select Auto Imports is a brand-forward environment that communicates trust, sophistication, and quality. The building’s architectural language—clean, modern, and confident—acts as a quiet but impactful backdrop to the high-performance vehicles it houses. The result is a dealership experience that feels less transactional and more curated, aligning with the expectations of today’s luxury buyer.