Some commercial projects sound simple on paper: “We need more space.” Then you get on site and reality hits.
Tommy’s Motor Sports (TMS) needed a bigger showroom in Crossville, Tennessee, and they needed it without shutting down the business. Their location at 550 Crabtree Rd, Crossville, TN 38571 sits right off the interstate corridor, so the foot traffic stays steady. People don’t just plan visits. They see the lot, pull in, and expect a clean showroom with room to browse.
East Tennessee Contractors partnered with TMS to expand the showroom, improve the flow, and coordinate upgrades to meet fire code requirements—all while keeping the doors open. That mix takes planning, tight sequencing, and clear communication.
If you want to check out Tommy’s Motor Sports, start here:
Why Tommy’s Motor Sports Needed More Showroom Space
A crowded showroom limits sales. It also limitsdsoes one more thing: it makes the customer experience feel rushed. When aisles tighten and inventory stacks up, people don’t stay long. They browse less. Staff has less room to work. The building starts working against the business.
TMS wanted to display more inventory and create a better shopping experience for both planned visits and interstate drop-ins. The goal stayed clear:
- Add showroom space
- Improve the customer flow
- Keep the business open during construction
Building A Steel Expansion Without Closing The Front Door
Retail-facing construction can wreck a business if you don’t plan around the public. Dust and noise turn customers away. Blocked entrances kill momentum. Changing access points without warning creates safety issues.
This project required a real “stay-open” plan. We approached it like a phased operation—coordinating work zones, controlling access, and sequencing the schedule to reduce disruption. The goal was simple: keep customers shopping safely while crews kept moving.
When a client asks, “Can you build this without shutting us down?” the answer can’t be wishful thinking. It needs a plan, daily communication, and a crew that can execute without chaos.
Fire Code Coordination That Protects The Business Long-Term
Code work isn’t flashy, but it matters. It protects customers, employees, and the operation itself. On expansions like this, code requirements can affect more than just the “new” area. If you handle it late, it creates delays and expensive changes.
For Tommy’s Motor Sports, we coordinated with local requirements to bring the facility up to fire code. We built that coordination into the process so the project stayed aligned and predictable.
Why A Pre-Engineered Metal Building Approach Works For Showroom Expansions
This expansion used a Pre-Engineered Metal Building approach (often called a PEMB). A PEMB system fits many commercial builds where speed, durability, and clean coordination matter—especially when the business needs to stay open.
At East Tennessee Contractors, steel isn’t a side service. We design, fabricate, and erect steel buildings using PEMB systems, and we employ steel and concrete trades in-house to keep projects moving.
If you’re considering a PEMB or steel expansion, these pages help:
Key Features That Made This Expansion Look Right And Perform Well
TMS didn’t just want “more space.” They wanted an addition that matched their brand and held up to heavy daily traffic. This project included:
- Timber framed porch to elevate the front entry
- Pre-Engineered Metal Building structure to support the expansion
- In-house concrete and steel erection to help control timeline and quality
- Galvalume roof for durability
- Liner system insulation, painted black for a clean, finished look
These choices improved what customers see first—entry, roofline, and finishes—while supporting the space behind the scenes.
In-House Concrete And Steel Erection Helps Control Timelines
When timelines matter, control matters. One major advantage on projects like this is our ability to handle key structural work with in-house trades. East Tennessee Contractors is built around that approach. We employ a significant team of tradesmen to handle structural aspects in-house, which helps avoid delays and reduce stress during the build.
That’s not about cutting corners. It’s about reducing friction:
- fewer handoffs
- tighter scheduling
- faster adjustments when sequencing changes
On a job where the business stays open, that flexibility matters.
The Result: A Better Customer Experience Right Off The Highway
This project supports one thing: growth. More showroom space gives TMS room to display inventory and welcome more customers. Better flow makes the showroom easier to browse. Entry upgrades improve curb appeal the moment someone pulls in.
And because the facility stayed open during construction, the business kept serving customers while the expansion moved forward.
Build With A Commercial Contractor Who Can Plan Around Reality
Expansions don’t have to mean downtime—if the contractor plans the job correctly.
East Tennessee Contractors is a Commercial Contractor and Steel building contractor based in Crossville, Tennessee. We build commercial facilities, steel buildings, and PEMB projects with a focus on schedule, safety, and clean execution.
Learn more about East Tennessee Contractors:
If you need to expand a showroom or build a Pre-Engineered Metal Building in Crossville, Tennessee, contact East Tennessee Contractors and let’s plan a project that keeps your business moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Tommy’s Motor Sports located?
A: 550 Crabtree Rd, Crossville, TN 38571.
Q: What is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB)?
A: A PEMB is a steel building system designed for efficient fabrication and erection, often used for commercial expansions and large clear-span spaces.
Q: Can a business stay open during a commercial expansion?
A: Yes—if the job is planned in phases with controlled access, clear safety paths, and tight scheduling.
Q: Why does fire code coordination matter during an expansion?
A: It protects people, reduces long-term risk, and helps prevent last-minute changes that can delay the project.
Q: What should I prepare before requesting a quote for a showroom expansion?
A: Your goals for layout and inventory, timeline constraints (like staying open), and any known code or site requirements.
