Topel’s Service Center
Project Scope: New 14,420-square-foot automotive repair shop
Location: Lake Mills, Wisconsin
Architect: Angus-Young Architects
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.
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.
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.
This project was recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin as a 2022 Silver Project of Distinction and with the Built on Merit award, as well as by Metallic Building Company with the 2022 Design-Build Excellence Award.