Family owned and operated since opening in 1938, Schoonover Body Works wanted to keep some of the past present when they contacted CNH Architects to expand their auto body and service shop in Shoreview.
With open ceilings and metal and gray accents throughout, the vibe of the shop is “retro industrial,” according to CNH Senior Associate and Interior Designer Ashley Klis.
The planned brick feature wall in the waiting area is a nod to Schoonover’s original building at 571 N. Snelling. The owners plan to finish the space with a variety of automobile-related signs hanging on the walls.
Aside from interior finishes, CNH worked with Schoonover to achieve the following goals for the space:
- Expand all aspects of the business including additional service bays, collision repair stalls, and increased inventory storage
- All new and expanded customer lounge
- Upgrade exterior aesthetic of the entire building
- Enhance employee support spaces
The end result is a 21,500 sf building that increases the operation by nearly 75 percent.
“This includes an “improved customer service experience with plenty of seating in a tall, new waiting area surrounded by glass,” explained CNH Principal Quinn Hutson.
Headquartered in Apple Valley, MN – CNH Architects, Ltd. is a creative, service-oriented firm that provides innovative design solutions for the commercial building and retail areas, public sector clients, vehicle facility projects, daycare and animal care facilities. CNH Architects has served clients in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest since 1969.