While luxury condos may not be a novelty, a Miami-based developer is poised to take things up a few notches — by offering a luxury condominium that is only meant for cars.
That's right! Even though the luxury building in question in downtown Miami will have a social club exclusive to members, a concierge service, 24/7 security and climate-controlled units, it will not have residential accommodation. AutoHouse is a luxury condo that will only be a housing space for cars. A sanctuary for simply parking your Porsche or Maserati if you please.
AutoHouse, the brainchild of developers Louis Birdman and Jay Massirman, is basically a seven-story car storage that has 45 units. It also has a Collectors Club and the project is based in Miami's Overtown neighborhood.
"Miami is a very car-centric town — it's not really a walking city. People drive everywhere. People are into the car culture, there are a lot of luxury cars sold in South Florida," noted Birdman, who is also a car collector.
Each unit is climate-controlled and prices for these start at $350,000 and can go up to more than $1.5 million. The space you get for $350,000 is sufficient for accommodating two cars, whereas the biggest unit is 2,200 square feet and sells for $1.5 million.
#luxurycars #autohousemiami #dontwarehouse #luxuryrealestate @theautofirm
A photo posted by Louis Birdman (@autohousemiami) on Sep 3, 2016 at 8:23am PDT
Owners of the units will have the option to add personal touches as well. The buyer has the option of kitting the storage unit with sound systems and wet bars. They can combine units or own an entire floor, which will be sufficient for nearly 55 cars.
The project may sound quite ambitious and even though the sales kicked off in August, so far no contracts have been signed. However, Birdman disclosed that several interested buyers have already reserved units and put down money for the same.
While things may be slow now, he is optimistic that the interest in AutoHouse will see an increase once the construction begins in Q2 2017. The developers are hoping to have the project completed by 2018.
The developers are of the belief that with the arrival of AutoHouse, a void in the market will be filled up. They feel that the concept will be lapped up by car owners who are frequently traveling to and from Miami and are looking for a solution where they can leave their vehicle safely, without exposing the car to any damage from the elements.
The climate-controlled units will also have hurricane-resistant windows, as well as polished concrete floors that will put owners' minds to rest.
AutoHouse will also cash in on the snob value surrounding luxury vehicles as collectors will have a designated place where they can show off their cars.
It remains to be seen if the upscale luxury condo storage units find favor with car collectors and owners in the long term.
