Dealer Tire

Innovation and collaboration are the heart of Dealer Tire’s success, and the heart of the design for its new headquarters. The family-owned company asked for more space, fewer walls, and space-use decisions that reinforce the company’s curiosity- and collaboration-driven culture. As one of the largest U.S. distributors of tires and maintenance products, the company relocated to a renovated existing building at the historic Victory Center in Cleveland to accommodate its growing business.

The first floor boasts the company’s innovation hub along with a fitness area and a walking track where employees can get a fresh perspective. Some teams use the space for walking meetings, while others huddle in the collaboration zones throughout the building or connect in conference rooms that bear the names of classic cars, longtime Dealer Tire customers, and famous tire brands.

The interior features natural lighting, exposed waffle-concrete slabs, and exposed ceilings. To retain the look while softening the interior and exterior noise and creating a positive work environment, Vocon partnered with an acoustic consultant to install acoustic tiles. We created a new entrance to provide better access to the new 650-space parking garage and installed subtle, themed art elements throughout the building such as the tire-shaped reception desk and wide street design that traverses the length of the building.

But the look isn’t entirely urban or industrial. Art features prominently throughout the space, drawn from the personal, curated collection of the firm’s owner, Scott Mueller. Off-white walls and thoughtful lighting showcase the art, blurring the lines between gallery and office space and adding to the inspirational, creative atmosphere.

Our design team added a parking garage and landscaped a 2-acre park, transforming a city block of hardscape into green space, including a loop trail and outdoor seating. Bioswales capture 100% of the runoff and butterfly-friendly plantings annually host monarchs.

The exterior and interior spaces honor Dealer Tire’s business with tire-inspired design elements. These features include the parking lot sculpture, the screen of the parking garage – which speaks to movement – and the textural reception desk. The project offers their team a more open feel, focused on fostering innovation.

AWARDS

2021 AIA Cleveland Merit Award Architecture, Campus & Garage

2018 NAIOP Office Interior Renovation Project of the Year

2017 AIA Ohio Merit Award for Interior Projects

2017 AIA Cleveland Interior Architecture Honor Award