Most owners think the hard part of a construction project is the construction. On the new Young Kia dealership in Layton, the hardest work happened before a single shovel hit the ground. It is a good example of why having a CM/GC (construction manager/general contractor) on your team from day one can save you time, money and a lot of headaches.
Project at a Glance
| Project | Young Kia dealership (new construction) |
| Location | Layton, Utah |
| Owner | Young Automotive Group |
| Size | 38,000 SF |
| Delivery method | CM/GC (construction manager/general contractor) |
| General contractor | PJF Corporation |
| Schedule | Under 12 months, start to finish |
| Completed | October 8, 2026 |
What Is a CM/GC?
With a traditional general contractor, the design is finished first and then the project goes out to bid. The contractor shows up late in the process and builds what is on the drawings. With a CM/GC, the contractor joins the team early, during preconstruction, and works alongside the owner, architect, engineers and city to shape the project before it is priced and built. When construction starts, the same team that planned it builds it. Public agencies use the method too; the Federal Highway Administration has a good overview of how CM/GC works.
PJF Corporation has worked this way for decades. We do not keep architects or engineers on staff. Instead, we coordinate the architect, engineers, city, title, funding and real estate pieces for our clients, then deliver the building.
Seven Plats, One Site
The Young Kia site started as seven separate plats that had to be combined into one. Some of those plat records went back a long time. They listed people who had passed away, had moved away or no longer had any ownership in the land, yet their signatures were still needed to clear the way.
Even with no legal stake, a few of those parties could still hold up the project, and some did until they were paid. Meanwhile, Layton City, civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, land surveyors and the title company each had their own requirements and timelines. On projects like this, it is easy for everyone to point at someone else. Someone has to drive the boat. On Young Kia, that was PJF.
A Mediator Between Owner, Architect and Manufacturer
A new car dealership has a lot of voices at the table. The owner, the architect and building engineers, and Kia as the manufacturer all had opinions and options, and each was protecting its own interests. That is normal, but someone needs to keep the whole picture in view.
As CM/GC, we went to bat for our client. We pushed back where finishes were heading over budget and found ways to meet Kia’s brand requirements without overspending. The result is a fully compliant dealership that Young Automotive Group got at the best possible value.
Why a CM/GC Pays Off
- Value engineering before it is too late. The biggest savings happen during preconstruction, when changes cost almost nothing. Once the drawings are done, every change costs more.
- One team driving the process. The city, consultants, title company and design team all have a single point of contact keeping things moving.
- Help with zoning and city approvals. We work with cities to get zoning handled and, when needed, ordinances changed.
- A schedule you can trust. Young Kia went from start to finish in under 12 months, about six months faster than the typical 18 months for a dealership this size.
- Someone to tell you what is next. We help owners understand the timeline and the path of their project, so there are fewer surprises.
Not Just for Ground-Up Builds
CM/GC is not only for new buildings. The same approach works for remodels, tenant improvements, healthcare facilities and dealership upgrades. Anytime there are multiple stakeholders, tight budgets or complicated approvals, bringing a contractor in early pays off. We are already putting it to work again: as Young Kia moves into its new building, PJF is renovating the original Kia store just to the north into an Audi dealership, keeping both stores open along the way.
More From the Young Kia Build
CM/GC Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CM/GC?
A CM/GC (construction manager/general contractor) is a contractor who joins the project team during preconstruction. The CM/GC works with the owner, architect, engineers and city to shape the design and budget before the project is priced, then builds it.
How is a CM/GC different from a traditional general contractor?
With a traditional general contractor, the design is finished first and then bid out, so the contractor arrives late and builds what is on the drawings. A CM/GC is involved early, when value engineering and design changes cost almost nothing, and acts as a single point of contact for the city, consultants, title company and design team.
Can a CM/GC save time on a project?
Yes. The new Young Kia dealership in Layton, Utah went from start to finish in under 12 months, about six months faster than the typical 18 months for a dealership of its size.
Does CM/GC work for remodels and tenant improvements?
Yes. CM/GC works for remodels, tenant improvements, healthcare facilities and dealership upgrades. PJF Corporation is currently renovating the original Kia store in Layton into an Audi dealership while keeping both stores open.
Bring Your Contractor in Early
If you are planning a new building or a remodel in Utah, the best time to call a contractor is before the design is finished. Since 1973, PJF Corporation has helped owners navigate preconstruction, protect their budgets and get their buildings open on time. Contact us to talk through your project, or see the full Young Kia project.
