Our New Garage

[Griot's Garage]

This isn't your typical garage, but I think you guys will enjoy...

Toward the tail end of 2009 we stumbled upon our dream property just down the street from our current company headquarters. A few years back Coca-Cola moved out of their old bottling facility located in Tacoma, WA, and since that date it has been sitting vacant... waiting for us.

The final product will house our company headquarters including the call center and R&D facility, a large retail store with our Car Care School, an automotive museum, a concours area and parking with enough room to host car shows in excess of 200 cars, and a few other things.

Updates on our blog:
Part 1: The Announcement
Part 2: The Barn Find
Part 3: Rolling Up Our Sleeves
Part 4: Momentum
Part 5: Snapshots from the Beehive
Part 6: Rounding the Bend
Part 7: Open for Business

A picture taken shortly before we purchased it.

A couple renderings of what the final product might look like.

Some interior shots before and after (current).

Most of the building will have in-floor heating. You can see it laid out in one area here.

I'll continue to keep you guys updated here, but you can also follow along on our blog. Let me know if there are any areas of specific interest and I'll try to get pictures and details for you.

~derek

 

[cyclopsblown34]

Awesome!!!!!!

 

[James21]

Awesome! Ill be sure to come by when it opens up!

 

[twardnw]

^this, party at Griot's!

 

[nonhog]

Need a "before" display car ? I'll be right over

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Who got to take home all the cool Coke signs off of the building?

 

[ssleepingbeauty]

Just tell Mountain Const. to do a extra good job on the slab, because I will more than likely be doing the floors

 

[Shocker]

So, when can I come by and check out the new digs?

 

[Brunsi]

Nice! This could be the ultimate build thread.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Calling that a garage is like calling the Space Shuttle a glider.

Wishing you sucess in your endeavors, it should be interesting to see what you do with all that room.

 

[Falcon67]

Calling that a garage is like calling the Space Shuttle a glider.

Well....it IS a glider! And that'll be one nice shop when all done.

 

[michakaveli]

Nice! Can't wait to see more progress.

 

[Griot's Garage]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I know we'll be having some sort of grand opening event when that time comes around. At this point we are planning to have occupancy around April, but you all know how construction project can go. As far as the old Coca-Cola signs, I'm not sure, but I'd assume Richard got his hands on them since he signs the checks around here.

A couple more pictures for you guys. I'm loving the work they are doing refinishing the ceilings. And of course, the building will have its fair share of red accents.

~derek

 

[Griot's Garage]

Original post updated with our most recent blog post.

Some of the replacement windows are in, we're making holes for new windows, and there is a current rendering that is much more realistic than the last. I'll be making a trip out there next week. Is there anything you guys would like me to take pictures of or find more information about while I'm there?

Enjoy!

~derek

 

[Griot's Garage]

I just updated the original post with a link our current update on the build. Things are really moving along quickly! I walked through it a week ago. The detail work going into this place is astonishing. I look forward to sharing the final product with all of you. As always, let me know if there are any specifics or details about the build you'd like to know more about.

~derek

 

[Ford GT]

It's coming along nicely!

 

[ssleepingbeauty]

I was just in our warehouse yesterday, and the truck driver was loading and ready to deliver 15 pallets of ceramic tile. The tile crew is one of the best in the area. You will be amazed at the progress once these guys get started. I am looking forward to seeing this upon completion

 

[Jpfreak33]

Wow that is coming along great, wish I lived closed, they detail school would be amazing to go to

 

[evil_twin]

So maybe it's a coincidence, but do you have a show? I've seen a show on TV called Griot's Garage (I think).

Garage looks amazing though, too bad I'm on the wrong coast.

 

[Griot's Garage]

So maybe it's a coincidence, but do you have a show? I've seen a show on TV called Griot's Garage (I think).

Must be a coincidence cause we don't have a show. That would be fun though!


~derek

 

[stricht8]

Maybe he's referring to Goss's Garage?

 

[sam 8]

Looks great!

(I am glad I am not close, that place would cost me a fortune if I could walk in!)

 

[Rich]

Griot's Garage thermometer, paper towel roll holder, and latex glove box holder. Last Christmas was a good one for the new garage.

 

[Griot's Garage]

Rich, I love your fridge! Is that just a vinyl sticker?


~derek

 

[intimadatorsquizz]

that's a nice garage

 

[Griot's Garage]

Some of you Coke collectors might be interested in this. When clearing out the building they found this old safe left behind by the Coca-Cola people. They had to use a fork lift to push it around (too much for 3 guys to even budge). It was locked when I saw it, so I don't know if anything is inside.



~derek

 

[Rich]

Rich, I love your fridge! Is that just a vinyl sticker?
~derek

Thanks Derek, it's a vinyl sticker. It's a good match for the car (all shiny from my Griot's Garage ROB).

One more...Griot's Garage Dan Gurney 1965 Le Mans poster. It's one of my all time favorite posters.

I had no idea I had so much of your stuff...keep the catalogs coming.

 

[RIVERWEST AUTO]

that is gong to be a great showroom... i am jealous.

 

[Griot's Garage]

It's been a while since the last update, but I promise this update was worth the wait. We are weeks away from moving, so they are finishing up the final touches, stocking shelves, and pouring the rest of the parking lot. There is still a little ways to go, but you can really see what the final product is going to look like in this photoset.

Enjoy!
http://www.inmygarage.com/?p=2487


~derek

 

[Pronkie1]

All I can say is"WOW"..........

 

[ct71rr]

Beautiful facility. Those wood ceilings are very nice. I love the retro theme throughout. Can you build another one over here in Massachusetts??!! Your products are the best, as well!

 

[Griot's Garage]

Thanks again for all the awesome feedback everyone! We moved in this past weekend, and it has exceeded expectations in every way possible. At this point, I have yet to hear anyone be able to put to words how awesome it is... and it's not even done yet! We'll have more updates coming once they finish up the final touches.

If you'd like to read a little more about it, here is a link to an article written by a local newspaper: http://bit.ly/cUDwTg

And, ct71rr, I hope we can build one in Massachusetts soon. We'll have to see how this one goes first. For now... road trip?

~derek

 

[Curt_pnw]

Wow, I am thoroughly impressed with how the place turned out!I bet Richard is pretty happy that it is done for the most part?
I'm excited to attend the grand opening in June.

 

[Griot's Garage]

Wow, I am thoroughly impressed with how the place turned out!I bet Richard is pretty happy that it is done for the most part?
I'm excited to attend the grand opening in June.

Thanks Curt! Richard is very happy to be in here. There is still some work to be done before it is finished, but every aspect of this place lives up to his "strive for perfection" motto. Feel free to come by before June. The Retail Store and Car Care School has been open since Tuesday.

~derek

 

[Griot's Garage]

Our most recent update. Nothing major, but it's got a couple great before/after shots of our retail store that really show how things have changed.

http://www.inmygarage.com/?p=2598

Enjoy!
~derek