[Geeto-Tiger]

Car storage, car shows, test track, all in one. Has anyone visited one of these facilities?

http://www.m1concourse.com/explore.php

[3fastgtos]

Looks expensive but a whole lot of fun.

[6 Grrrs]

Here's one from the Minneapolis location...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=46593

[Stuart]

The Motorplex in Minneapolis doesn't have a test track like the one in Detroit, but it is a pretty nifty place. They have a lot of car shows there during the summer, and the people who own garage condos usually have them open for display. While some of the condos are over the top in decoration and are filled with exotics, they also have some that are basic working garages owned by people working on everyday cars.

There are a few others around the country, some with access to tracks and some wihout.

[1969GTO]

I would have to sell my car just to be able to afford a space

[Geeto-Tiger]

Originally Posted by 6 Grrrs

Here's one from the Minneapolis location...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=46593

This one in Mn looks pretty cool. It would be nice to see pics of how the different garages are set up. I suspect you cannot spend the night there for legal reasons. It would be nice to not have to go home after wrenching on your ride. Another feature I would like to see is a central machine and fab shop where you could use their tools or hire their machinist by the hour. Would save a lot by not having to tool up with expensive equip (bridgeport, etc). Also, they could charge by teaching classes on welding, painting, etc. Or, sometimes you need some help for an hour to install a rear end and you can't get your buddy to come over, just go to the shop and fill out a work order.

[fiedlerh]

Investors are trying to build one in our town, but no ground breaking yet. It's about twice the price of readily available commercial space, but you get like-minded individuals, security, a clubhouse, and nicer grounds. It doesn't have a test track though, which would be a nice feature.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Geeto-Tiger

This one in Mn looks pretty cool. It would be nice to see pics of how the different garages are set up. I suspect you cannot spend the night there for legal reasons.

A lot of them have bathrooms, and they're allowed to have kitchenettes but no stoves, and obviously no bedrooms. However, some do have couches that probably fold out into beds.

They have a bunch of garage photos on their website: http://automotorplex.com/category/ph...oto-galleries/ There are also a number of photo galleries from previous car shows.

Not that it has anything to do with garages, but it's just a couple blocks down the street from Prince's Paisley Park Studios.

[Geeto-Tiger]

Thanks for the link Stuart. Lots of creative car guys out there. I suppose the fold out bed would be the way to go. I suppose being near the Prince studio will keep the property values up. I would be worried about my investment over the long haul.

[68lemansman]

Originally Posted by 1969GTO

I would have to sell my car just to be able to afford a space

and your soul lol

[fiedlerh]

I researched these a couple of years ago when the investors were pushing the local project. The smallest was $72,000 for 24x26 unfinished ($115/sqft). These "car condos" are scattered around the country and some appear to be thriving. Unfortunately some of the units are on the market at a loss, probably due to the recent real estate conditions. I can buy an industrial unit locally for around $80/sqft already finished with electrical, an office and a bathroom. If you want the clubhouse camaraderie, I guess the extra cost could be worth it.

[Captainofiron]

Very cool, but yikes that is way past my budget

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Captainofiron

Very cool, but yikes that is way past my budget

Since you're now a Texas resident thought you might be interested in these variations on the OP theme:

Just "down the road" from your Austin locale in between Fort Worth and Granbury
http://www.motorsportranch.com/

MotorSport Ranch is the first of its kind
ACountry Club for motoring enthusiasts – including sports cars, race cars, and motorcycles. Established in 1996, the Ranch introduced and pioneered this new concept. Just as a golf country club centers its activities around a golf course, this club centers around a purpose-built road racing course. Two courses, actually, as a second road course has been added to the facility.
Think of MotorSport Ranch as a place that its members go to satisfy that “need for speed”. Many people own a sports or high performance car, or even a vintage race car. The Ranch is a place to explore the potential of these cars and for the drivers to develop and practice their skills. The Ranch offers convenience and accessability for its members who do are able to treat performance driving as a sport or a hobby.

• *Practice driving skills on one of two road racing courses, a 1.7 mile and a 1.3 mile circuit
  *Attend performance and safety driving schools
  *Conduct a business meeting, then take your client for hot laps
  *Participate in “gentlemen’s racing”
  *Store your automobile at “The Ranch”
  *Have your car professionally maintained

The facility is also home to numerous sports car related businesses catering to the enthusiasts.

MotorSport Ranch exists primarily for the enjoyment of its members, but a limited amount of time will also be made available to car clubs for their events.

NASA TEXAS RACING // OFFICIAL SITE track list
http://nasatx.com/about_tracks.php
--------------------
And nationwide Car Storage, Car Condos and Vehilce Storage listing page on CarPeoperty.com
Car Storage, Car Condos and Vehicle Storage

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Captainofiron

Very cool, but yikes that is way past my budget

Here's the San Marcos location you may be interested in checking out - Harris Hill Raceway
http://harrishillroad.com/about-harris-hill-road.php

[Judge273]

Makes my 22x32 with 14 clear and a 12x22 loft look like i did good. 5 cars and parts storage with build out ability...

[Transporter]

Originally Posted by Judge273

Makes my 22x32 with 14 clear and a 12x22 loft look like i did good. 5 cars and parts storage with build out ability...

THAT, is the ultimate bachelor pad!!!

[Engine-Ear]

Here's another one in the Chicago area... http://www.irongatemotorcondos.com/

...my "Wreck Room" is 30 x 40. No, it's not big enough but it's as large as the city would allow. Plus my commute is about 41 seconds from door to door.

I agree that this isn't a cheap date but for the guy who has no land to build on (or a head-of-household who's not into it!), a gearhead community like this is still pretty darn cool....

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Here's the San Marcos location you may be interested in checking out - Harris Hill Raceway
http://harrishillroad.com/about-harris-hill-road.php

Yea Ive heard of that one, but its pretty pricey to become a member.

I think when I finally get the Bird up and running I will go here:
http://www.drivewayaustin.com/

and its much closer

[Stuart]

The Motorplex in Minneapolis is in the process of opening similar facilities in Chicago and Kansas City, I think they're franchises.

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Judge273

Makes my 22x32 with 14 clear and a 12x22 loft look like i did good. 5 cars and parts storage with build out ability...

Yessir! Pretty Impressive Storage and vehicles for sure...all that's lacking is the race track. Hot Wheels out the front overhead doors perhaps? Would work for me!

Originally Posted by Captainofiron

Yea Ive heard of that one, but its pretty pricey to become a member.

I think when I finally get the Bird up and running I will go here:
http://www.drivewayaustin.com/

and its much closer

Indeed - looks like an excellent facility. Perhaps you'd be taking your Cherokee for that off road trail ride too? Althought, IIRC no "storage" per the OP topic, yes?

For those interested in investing - I'll pass on this email, rec'd today in which I've no affiliation or previous knowledge of - this Norfolk, VA area "storage facility" available @ auction HERE

Pretty amazing the sheer # of OP type car club condos, storage, tracks, etc. that have sprouted throughout most every area of the USA.