New Auto Repair Shops Service Waunakee and Lake Mills

The Friede & Associates team has recently completed two more automotive projects. One is a new shop for David's Certified Auto Repair (DCAR) in Waunakee, Wisconsin. The other is a new location for Topel's Service Center in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

DCAR’s new auto repair facility is an 8,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal building. The Friede team came to the rescue when material issues and scheduling threatened the project’s timeline.

The Friede design team represented DCAR in the initial online planning meetings. This allowed the project to move forward during the height of COVID-19. Officials wanted the new building to blend in with the Waunakee industrial park. The design team worked to meet the City’s architectural guidelines and DCAR’s budgetary requirements.

DCAR in Waunakee, Wisconsin

With permits in hand, construction began in August 2021. The structure features a steel-supported mezzanine, an office, and extensive storage. It also includes a high-tech auto repair shop equipped with six car lifts and an alignment rack. A machine scans customers’ cars when they enter the garage. These scans record wheel alignment, tire tread depth, and existing dents or scratches. This information enters a database and allows the mechanics to better serve clients.

DCAR was able to move into its new facility in January 2022. DCAR maintained operations in their previous shop before occupying the new Waunakee location. The Friede team’s communication and coordination on this project ensured its success.

DCAR’s automotive service area features six full-size vehicle lifts.

Topel’s Service Center approached Friede & Associates to construct their new facility. Josh Vinluan owns Oakstone Recreational and is a former Friede client. He heard about Topel's plans and recommended Friede’s services.

Topel’s had experienced tremendous growth over the past decade and needed a larger space. Their new location was on Main Street in Lake Mills, an area of town that was being rebuilt by the City. The design team incorporated new utility services and site access to follow the City’s redesign.

The local Bumper to Bumper, an auto supply store, approached Topel's to join them in their new space. The building plans included 3,200 square feet of retail space Bumper to Bumper. This allowed them to vacate an old building in downtown Lake Mills in favor of a new space with on-site parking.

Topel’s Service Center in Lake Mills, Wisconsin

Design meetings moved to Zoom when COVID-19 shuttered most of the country. Coordinating architectural drawings and municipal approvals online was a challenge. Topel’s financing options were also affected by the pandemic. Friede provided updated financial projections, helping the Topels secure TIF and grant funds. Despite the setbacks, the design team finished the final plans in Fall 2020.

Owners Dan and Tara Topel incorporated historical elements of the original Topel’s location, which opened in 1948. The new location features a white block main entry, the iconic orange “76” sign, and polished concrete floors.

The new auto repair shop includes ten service bays. It also features a six-foot-tall wainscot to prevent damage from toolboxes and equipment. Topel’s services all vehicles with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems. These include features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings. Servicing these systems requires level floor space. The building also features an in-floor heating system that burns waste oil.

Topel’s state-of-the-art garage area allows team members to service multiple cars and trucks simultaneously.

The repair shop has a waiting room with a fireplace, comfy seating, a beverage bar, and charging ports. The building also features a staff conference room, a break room, and a clean room.

Designing and constructing Topel’s new facility during COVID-19 required immense communication. The pandemic affected material procurements and production in the field. Friede held regular progress meetings to keep subcontractors informed and construction moving.

Owner Tara Topel described Project Manager Morgan Tribbey as “a great communicator.” Morgan and the Friede team handled the challenges related to this project. Topel’s celebrated their grand opening in September 2022. The project was a success thanks to the project team's coordination.

Both projects proved challenging due to the pandemic and supply chain issues. Communication was critical in ensuring these projects wrapped up on time. When the world threatened to shut down, the Friede team jumped into action to bring these projects to life.