Place for boats, cars and man caves are a ‘thing’ in major cities — and now on the Coast
Storage units that double as a man cave are available all over Texas, Arizona and South Florida, and now they’re coming to South Mississippi.
Garage condos are the hot new thing for storing cars, boats and other toys in climate-controlled units and convenient locations.
“There’s a big demand,” said Steven Carter, the developer of the $8.6 million Bayside Luxury Garage Condominiums in Biloxi on what was a casino site. A boat launch is only 400 yards away, he said.
Unlike household storage units rented by the month, these garages are condos — “You buy it. You own it,” Carter said. Prices start at $139,000, he said, and people who want to store boats and classic cars together tell him it’s more affordable than renting spaces, he said.
The Paddock is another new condo garage under construction at 2215 Government Street in Ocean Springs. Owners of the eight units will be able to securely store their cars, jet skis and motorcycles out of the weather and walk or drive their golf cart to downtown restaurants and festivals.
John Boothby, owner of Apple Construction, and Cam Roberds, owner of C. Roberts General Contractors, partnered to bring The Paddock to Ocean Springs after seeing the idea in Arizona. The website calls the units “a lifestyle upgrade,” and says, “Our condo garages feature spacious living areas and wet bars, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.”
The Paddock in Ocean Springs
The condo garages in Ocean Springs will be ready for move-in at the end of August or early September, Roberds said. Units at The Paddock are so popular, only one remains unsold.
It was difficult finding a site for the garages in a prime spot in the downtown where golf carts are allowed, he said.
The building is steel and rated for winds of over 162 mph. Each unit has a 14-foot tall, 18-foot wide door, reinforced and insulated.
“They’re just top notch doors,” he said
The units are 30 feet wide by 35 feet deep, with split air conditioner units and carbon monoxide sensors, warnings and safety features built in.
Each unit also has a mezzanine level with steel construction and concrete floor that provides additional space for the man cave..
“Some of the guys are doing different things with the upstairs,” he said, with a golf simulator one of the amenities mentioned.
While a condo garage is a luxury, Roberds says it’s also a necessity. Being close to the Gulf of Mexico, boat and car owners have to worry about the effects of the salt air, he said.
At the back of property is a fenced area that will be used for private events and fundraisers
“It’s kind of like a little community,” he said.
Bayside Garage Condos in Biloxi
Work has started on the first of three phases at Bayside Luxury Garage Condos on the Back Bay in Biloxi, one mile east of IP Casino.
When complete in early 2025, it will have 63 luxury garage condo units, 17 RV pads, a clubhouse and a pier.
While many people plan to use it to store their cars, Carter said, it’s also well suited for storing jet skis, kayaks, boats and paddleboards, since Biloxi’s Sherman Caanan fishing dock and boat launch is close by.
“Leave all your stuff there,” he said, where it will be secure and out of the weather. The gate will have a key pad entry, he said, and the facility will be fully secured.
The first units are expected to be ready this fall and will be 20 feet wide by 50 feet deep, with 14-foot reinforced roll-up doors. Other sizes may be built in the second phase..
While owners can’t spend the night there, he said, “People are going to turn them into man caves and hang out there with their buddies.”
