(4/2016) Crouse Ford, located on Antrim Boulevard in Taneytown unveiled their brand new showroom in March. The project, which started in June of 2015. In order to modernize the appearance and functionality of the dealership that has served Crouse well for the past thirty years, the decision to embark on a
full facilities renovation was made. The present building that houses Crouse Ford’s service department, parts department, paint and body department, administrative offices and sales showroom was built in 1985 and was well due for a makeover.
In 2013, Ford introduced an optional Trust Mark program for all Ford dealers. The program was designed for exclusively Ford facilities, and had the goal of modernizing Ford dealerships. Crouse Ford has always sold Ford vehicles exclusively, since 1941, so the fit for the Trust Mark program was perfect. By
December of 2014, Crouse Ford received a call inquiring about their interest in participating in the Trust Mark program. Ford’s Trust Mark program offered planning and financial assistance to dealers wishing to make the desired improvements, by offering 50% financial participation.
Within the Trust Mark program, Ford Motor Company had basic specifications that had to be met, including the addition of a 29-foot tall Entry Tower, Showroom Vestibule, exterior Architectural Aluminum Paneling, and new LED-lit exterior signage. Other requirements included the installation of a customer friendly WI-FI service, the painting of all exterior
surfaces of the existing building as well as the interior.
Crouse Ford wished to achieve additional goals, on top of the Ford Motor Company requirements. The overall size of the facility was not changed significantly, but the appearance both within and outside the building underwent significant changes. They added a 400 square foot customer lounge, enlarged the showroom space for a dedicated finance office, changed the
customer restrooms, widened the hallway, installed Epoxy-based flooring at the service reception area, installed new ceilings with efficient LED lighting, and installed new 24 inch ceramic tile flooring and carpeting.
The first stage consisted of the demo phase, which began on June 22. This phase included the removal of the old ceiling tiles, lights, and the original wooden wall-paneling. Two mobile air conditioned trailers served as the restroom and waiting area for customers waiting on vehicle service. Crouse Ford was
very grateful to all customers and employees who showed patience and understanding throughout the entire renovation process.
The next stage was the demo and installation of new Showroom glass storefronts and glass entrance doors. During the late summer of 2015 Crouse Ford witnessed the construction of the new office and showroom walls, door frames and doors. The final touches were carried out by painting the new interior walls a lighter shade of Ford approved paint entitled "Swiss
Coffee." Customers have shown an overwhelming approval of the new renovations and have commented on how much they like the appearance of the brighter showroom. The lighter color choices were meant to achieve a welcoming, friendly and overall more open environment.
In addition to the new paint scheme, new pencil-wood surfaces, and "blue-moon" Quartz counter tops were installed throughout, including parts and service counters, coffee bar, and restrooms. All surfaces had to match the Ford furniture. The first shipment of furniture included all-new customer appointment stations for the service department. The final delivery
of furniture arrived in late December making for a nice Christmas present.
Customer reactions to the newly renovated dealership facilities have been very well received. Completion of these renovations will help Crouse Ford mark their 75th Anniversary this Spring! Tune in next month for a 75th Anniversary article featuring Crouse Ford.
