Private airport garages

Over the past few years, luxury garage condominiums have been popping up around the US. Secure and climate controlled spaces that are larger than typical storage units, condo garages are used to store boats, expensive cars and other collections. Now, a Colorado company has carved out a new niche in the growing market: Airport Garages sells units near airports in towns with high numbers of second homes. Their first facilities opened in Vail, Colorado. Owners can park their car in the garage while they’re away, providing a secure haven for their vehicle and ensuring they’ll be able to drive straight from the airport to their ski chalet. The units also have plenty of storage space for skis, jet skis and other toys. In addition, benefits include automobile services — car starting, tire and battery maintenance, oil changes, etc — and use of a private clubhouse. Deluxe units in Vail (12′ x 28′, USD 75,000) are sold out, but standard units (12′ x 22′, USD 52,900) are still available. Catering to transumers, too, units can also be rented for USD 289-339 per month. More Airport Garages are in the works: Steamboat Springs and Telluride/Montrose in Colorado and Salt Lake City in Utah will open late 2007, and Kiawah Island, South Carolina, will follow early 2008. Where possible, garages are built steps away from the airport terminal. Otherwise, shuttles are available to bring members from the terminal to their car. Clever niche that should work well in any region with a healthy second home market. (Related: Five star hotel for cars.) Spotted by: Barry Zweibel Note: Images of the Eagle Airport facilities can be found on the company’s website.