Luxury Garages Spark Neighborhood Battles in the US
By Michael Golson, Senior Motors Reporter
Published: March 8, 2025
A new trend is taking hold among affluent car owners in the United States: the construction of extravagant garage condos, or “man caves,” to house their prized vehicle collections. While these expansive garages offer a haven for gearheads to protect and display their luxury vehicles, they are increasingly becoming a source of contention for neighbors.
These high-end garages are often equipped with amenities that rival the comforts of home, including climate control, bars, entertainment systems, and car lifts.
One such enthusiast is Bret Bailey, a 64-year-old retired IT manager from Minneapolis. Bailey found his existing three-car garage inadequate for his collection. He was forced to keep his racing Porsche in a trailer outside through the harsh Minnesota winters but suffered when the trailer froze to the ground.
“For two weeks, I’m throwing salt out there,” Bailey remarked.
He now keeps his expansive collection, including two Porsches, a Ferrari, a custom Harley, a dune buggy, and a racing trailer, in a nearly 2,700-square-foot space complete with a tequila bar, heated floors, a bathroom with a shower, a giant TV, a leather sofa, a stack of racing tires, and a car lift.
However, these mega-projects are frequently causing disputes.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, these “car barns,” “barndominiums,” “toy sheds,” “garage mahals,” or “shouses” are gaining popularity. However, these lavish garage projects are coming at a cost, sparking disputes with neighbors across the country.
Local residents are increasingly expressing concern over the size, aesthetics, and potential impact on property values. Lawsuits, zoning battles, and even construction moratoria have become common as communities grapple with the trend.
In Victoria, Minnesota, for example, dozens of homeowners signed a petition to block city plans for a five-bedroom house with a 6,000-square-foot garage, a space large enough to accommodate at least 20 cars.
Chris Keppel, a 60-year-old semi-retired real-estate agent, voiced his concerns: “It’s giant. I can’t describe it any other way than it looks like having a Tires Plus in my backyard.”
The central point of contention frequently revolves around the garage’s structural designation. Whether it is classified as a free-standing structure, thus subject to size restrictions, or connected by a defined walkway becomes a critical point in local zoning rules.
Victoria Mayor Deb McMillan noted, “I know that the neighbors are not happy about it, and I sympathize with them, but you can’t arbitrarily deny something because somebody doesn’t like it.”
A protracted legal battle in Wayzata, Minnesota, involved a “garage mahal,” a detached structure exceeding 1,600 square feet and capable of housing a tour-bus-style RV alongside other vehicles.
“It’s a big deal,” a judge said during a 2022 hearing.
Neighbors subsequently sued, alleging violations of city codes and environmental regulations. Bill Skolnick, the homeowner’s attorney, defended the project, even though the plaintiffs lost their case in court.
“It’s a subterranean garage; all you see is this door, and by the way, it’s a beautiful door,” Skolnick said. “My people spent $18 million; they haven’t built a shack.”
As the trend continues to grow, developers like Bruno Silikowski, who developed the Chanhassen AutoPlex and the AutoMotorPlex Medina, are expanding their business, with plans for new complexes in multiple states. He stated that his company’s projects allow car owners to “enjoy their passion.”
