This region of Texas continues to be a growing hub for the automotive industry.

With Toyota and General Motors Financial already having a major presence here, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA on Tuesday broke ground on its new, build-to-suit, 200,000-square-foot facility at AllianceTexas — a 26,000-acre, master-planned, mixed-use development in north Fort Worth.

Captive officials highlighted the state-of-the-art, green-field building will serve as Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ national business operations center, and it has been specifically positioned to leverage its lakeside setting and designed to facilitate employee collaboration.

“Texas has played an important role in our history, and we are excited to continue and grow our presence in this great state with a new contemporary, technologically advanced operations center,” said Peter Zieringer, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. “The new facility enhances our ability to provide a dynamic atmosphere that inspires and excites our employees.”

The company explained the new, four-story, modern industrial building for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services is designed to complement the surrounding scenic landscape and enhance productivity by creating an environment for greater employee collaboration. The open community space in the heart of the building was strategically designed as an atrium to allow ample, natural daylight with unobstructed views of the nearby lake, which is located within walking distance from the office. Built to foster social interactions, the atrium will give employees a place to gather, connect and re-energize.

The location also offers employees direct access to a variety of amenities, including health and wellness programming, organized sports and connectivity to a walking trail around the lake.

BOKA Powell, a Dallas-based design firm, is serving as the design architect and architect of record for the shell building and site development. The firm’s work will include master planning, programming, core and shell design, documentation and construction administration. BOKA Powell also designed the previous two buildings occupied by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area.

“When designing Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ building, we wanted to create a unique experience for employees from the moment they walk into the bright, naturally lit atrium to the time they enjoy lunch on the outdoor plaza,” said John Orfield, principal in charge at BOKA Powell. “Tapping into everything the surrounding area has to offer, the new building will encourage employees to take in scenic views and get involved with programmed events and group activities.”

To optimize an adjacent water feature, the building is uniquely angled to maximize employees’ access to lake views and provide sustainable daylighting to core work areas. In alignment with Hillwood’s environmental stewardship, the development’s architecture and landscaping will incorporate the use of native materials and elements to reduce its carbon footprint. By selecting plants that are drought-resistant, designers will utilize a drip irrigation system to assist with water conservation.

“Each project Hillwood develops is carefully crafted to maintain the property’s natural beauty while simultaneously protecting the native surroundings,” said Mike Berry, Hillwood president. “The Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ new facility exemplifies our core value of creating a sustainable development and enhances the quality of life for employees.”

Seamlessly blending with the native terrain, the captive pointed out the new building connects employees with amenities, including fitness classes, outdoor kitchens and dining areas, covered seating, an outdoor basketball court and direct access to the existing trail around the lake.

Upon completion, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ facility will also have a third-floor terrace to give employees the opportunity to collaborate beyond the walls of the building and connect with nature.

Construction on Mercedes-Benz Financial Services’ new facility is scheduled to be completed in early 2019.

A group of top firms have been contracted to support the greenfield project, including:

— JLL Fort Worth Project and Development Services of Dallas will oversee the project for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, including facilitation of the shell building, site development and interiors planning

— SmithGroupJJR Dallas and Detroit Workplace Studios will provide programming, workplace strategy, interior architecture and design services and serve as the architect of record for the interior.

— The lease agreement process was supported by Cushman & Wakefield.