March, 2022

www.srqmagazine.com

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Car collecting just got even cooler. In Lakewood Ranch, a Luxe Dream Garage is currently mid-development and in major demand. Locals are already making reservations for spots in this customizable private motor condo complex. It is essentially slated to be a private community of car (as well as RV and boat) collectors looking to store their most prized possessions and savor some camaraderie. “The response and interest have been very gratifying,” says David Slone, who is a founding partner of Luxe Dream Garage along with Mike McKinney. “There is a large car enthusiast community here. Just go to one of the many car shows around town and see up to 400 cool cars in one place.” Soon, that “one place” to see car eye candy will be located off Interstate 75 and University Parkway, just blocks away from the newly-opened Waterside at Lakewood Ranch.

Luxe Dream Garage project consists of 65 totally customizable units of varying sizes (and they may ultimately be filled with about 300 to 400 cars). Construction is scheduled to begin on July 1, with the first units to be occupied by the end of 2022. A private, two-story, 3,000-square-foot luxury clubhouse will also be completed within the same timeframe. “The problem many enthusiasts have is where to safely store their cars, RVs, boats or motorcycles when their home garage just falls short,” the founders say, adding that every luxury, highline and exotic brand of car will be represented at the garage. This project solves that dilemma, with style. The founders invite incomers to “work, play, chill and escape the everyday grind” by joining the community, adding, “the dream is real.”

And launching this garage has been a dream of Slone and McKinney—who both come from a building and developing background—for quite a while. Their team has 70 years of combined development and construction experience, and they have two equity partners that run many successful area businesses. Back in 1984, Slone started a custom home company and built hundreds of residences throughout the next two decades. He completed the 102-unit luxury Hamburg Park townhomes, as well as a $20-mllion business park called Hamburg Business Center. McKinney has owned and managed his own construction company for 30 years and built projects in excess of $35 million. Both Slone and McKinney have a shared passion for cars, too. They know the value of creating a community to fit likeminded people.  

“The one problem that is consistent with most collectors is storage, and we wanted to fix that problem here in Lakewood Ranch for at least a few,” the founders say. “There is nothing like this in Lakewood Ranch, but these garages are popping up all over Florida (and the country, for that matter). It has been very well received so far by the local community. There has been overwhelming acceptance and interest in the project, and we are already 50 percent sold out.” A standard unit is 1,000 to 1,280 square feet, and deluxe units run from 1,200 to 1,536 square feet. These are fully air-conditioned spaces with large overhead doors, impact windows, security locks, vehicle lifts and wet bars. The garage is gated with security features and private access, and the units are made from concrete and steel to withstand Category 4 storms. There will be a private owners’ club and mingling events at the clubhouse, a detail bay, an RV service area, and monthly co-owner dues are about $200.

There is even a philanthropic component to the project, which is greatly important to founders and members. For any units that were reserved by the time of the Exotic Car Show on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, Luxe Dream Garage donated $250 to “Flight to the North Pole,” an organization that brings holiday cheer to terminally ill children.

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