Project Overview
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Location:
640 NW 12th Avenue, Miami
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Sector:
Retail / Automotive Service
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Project Type:
Renovation + Adaptive Reuse
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Delivery Model:
Construction Management + General Contracting
Executive Summary
Transforming an Aging Structure into a Modern Retail Facility
TrustEra was engaged to convert an aging automotive repair facility into a fully branded Take 5 Oil Change location—requiring the transformation of an outdated structure into a modern, code-compliant retail environment.
What began as a standard renovation quickly evolved into a structural redevelopment project, driven by significant field discoveries during demolition.
Project Scope
- Adaptive reuse of an existing automotive repair facility
- Full interior demolition and structural assessment
- Structural upgrades and corrections
- Integration of Take 5 corporate branding and operational layout
- Coordination with the City of Miami for plan revisions and approvals
- Full system upgrades to meet current code and operational requirements
The Challenge
Unforeseen Structural Conditions
During demolition, TrustEra uncovered critical discrepancies between the plans and existing conditions:
- Structural columns identified as steel were found to be deteriorated wood
- Roof framing revealed rotten joists requiring replacement
- Existing structural elements were improperly installed or non-compliant
These conditions required immediate reassessment of structural integrity and design.
Hidden Infrastructure Conflicts
- Discovery of undocumented underground utility lines
- Conflicts with proposed layouts and new system installations
- Required redesign and coordination across multiple disciplines
Plan & Code Realignment
- Existing plans did not reflect actual field conditions
- Required full coordination with engineers and the City of Miami for updates
- Multiple revisions submitted and approved to bring the project into compliance
Aging Building Constraints
- Legacy construction methods inconsistent with modern code
- Structural degradation requiring selective replacement vs. full rebuild decisions
- Need to maintain project feasibility while addressing deficiencies
The TrustEra Approach
Field-Driven Problem Solving
TrustEra shifted from a renovation mindset to a controlled redevelopment strategy:
- Immediate documentation of field conditions
- Rapid coordination with structural engineers
- Real-time decision-making to maintain progress
Design Integration & Approval Management
- Led the effort to update plans to reflect actual conditions
- Coordinated directly with the City of Miami to secure approvals
- Ensured all revisions aligned with current building codes and operational requirements
Controlled Execution
- Sequenced structural repairs to stabilize the building first
- Integrated new structural elements with existing conditions
- Maintained alignment between field work and approved plans
Results
- Successfully identified and resolved major structural and underground conflicts
- Secured updated, fully approved plans with the City of Miami
- Stabilized and modernized an aging structure for commercial use
- Advanced the project toward completion with full regulatory alignment
Conclusion
What This Project Demonstrates
This project reflects TrustEra’s ability to manage complexity in real-world conditions:
- Adaptive reuse of aging and non-compliant structures
- Execution under unknown and evolving field conditions
- Structural problem-solving and redesign coordination
- Navigation of municipal approvals during active construction
Client Impact
- Avoided costly full demolition through strategic redevelopment
- Maintained project momentum despite significant unforeseen conditions
- Delivered a path to completion aligned with corporate branding and operational needs
TrustEra Perspective
- The biggest risks in construction are the ones you don’t see—until demolition begins.
- TrustEra is built to respond in those moments.
- This project demonstrates our ability to uncover, adapt, and execute—turning unknown conditions into controlled outcomes.