FAIRFIELD, Calif. -

Price-Simms is in the middle of another construction project for a franchise operation located on its 31-acre property in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Soon after opening a new Ford showroom, Price-Simms began work on building a Mercedes-Benz dealership consisting of 40,000 square feet. Executives pointed out the new lot will augment Fairfield’s 31-acre auto mall that has freeway visibility from Interstate 80.

Price-Simms also is seeking Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Owners mentioned that the green elements planned for the building include solar panels, energy-efficient lighting and low water use.

The location of this Mercedes-Benz dealership is positioned so the store can serve several counties, including Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo.

The group believes construction should be completed by August 2011. J.R. Roberts Deacon of Citrus Heights, Calif. — a general contractor with an extensive portfolio of dealership construction projects — is handling the work.

Price-Simms opened its new Ford dealership at this location last month, adding 100 jobs. The facility includes a service center with several repair and maintenance bays.

The dealership additions by Price-Simms combined with upcoming construction of a Lowe’s location and the opening of a Walmart Supercenter in the area are delighting local government officials.

“We continue to have strong economic development growth in our commercial and retail sectors,” noted Fairfield city manager Sean Quinn.

“We are a business-friendly community with available land, approved business parks, and the infrastructure to help you house, build and grow your company,” Quinn added.