Groundbreaking for Friendly Honda expansion

Friendly Honda of Springfield will hold a groundbreaking ceremony June 20 for a major renovation and expansion of the dealership at 2500 Prairie Crossing Drive.

The year-long renovation aims to modernize the dealership's facilities, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. Key aspects of the renovation include a modernized showroom, upgraded service center with additional service bays to reduce wait times and a newly designed customer lounge.

The existing dealership will be expanded with a 2,520-square-foot addition constructed on the east side and another 7,707-square-foot addition on the north side of the building.

The Redmond Company, a Wisconsin-based design-build firm that specializes in automotive projects, is serving as the architect and general contractor.

Friendly Honda was founded in 1980 by John Schroeder. In 1997, his daughter, Susan Langheim, assumed the role as dealer-operator. Langheim's daughter, Courtney Harby, joined the family business in 2018.

"My father built this dealership on trust, hard work and relationships," Langheim said. "It means the world to me now to share this journey with my daughter, Courtney, as we bring his vision into a new era."

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at noon on Friday, June 20.