Housing for cars? Hendersonville approves 31 condos starting in the mid-$200s for high-end machines
Classic and antique cars, boats and recreational vehicles have never had it so good in Hendersonville.
The city’s planning commission recently approved a plan to build 31 condominiums with starting prices in the mid-$200,000 range. But, these condos aren't for people. They're for high-end machines.
RallyPoint Motor Condos will be built on nearly 4.5 acres at 752 E. Main Street, just west of Hendersonville Produce.
“A rather unique addition to the city,” one of Hendersonville’s two Ward 5 representatives Rachel Collins said.
Business owners J.R. Ernst and wife Carol Ernst, of Hendersonville, plan to break ground on the new development in the third quarter of this year. All 31 units are for sale.
“We plan to start other locations and (eventually) franchise to other cities,” Carol Ernst said. The couple is already looking at land in Williamson and Davidson counties.
The units can’t be used as a personal residence and restrictions are in place to keep owners from operating a business that would have customers going in and out, according to discussion with planning commissioners.
A homeowners association is planned.
Storage condominiums will be available in different sizes, starting at 25-by-40 feet. Prices per based unit will start around $250,000, Carol Ernst said.
Owners can rent their units with a six-month minimum on any sublet agreement. J.R. Ernst told planning commissioners rentals were uncommon in similar concepts they studied around the U.S.
RallyPoint is estimated to provide around $40,000 annually in property tax revenue with “negligible impact on our infrastructure,” Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary said.
“It’s going to serve a need, attract business and it’s an opportunity for a local business to expand far outside Hendersonville,” Clary said.
More than 60% of the units have been presold with a $5,000 refundable deposit, Ernst said.
Each unit will have a garage door and owners will be able to finish their space according to specific needs, Carol Ernst said. Owners can bring in lifts to stack cars for multiple smaller vehicles if desired.
RallyPoint Condos will also have a clubhouse area with televisions and grilling to facilitate a social gathering place for owners. The Ernsts will also locate their offices there.
“Hendersonville is changing,” the city's other Ward 5 Alderman Jonathan Hayes said. “A lot of people are moving here and many are well-to-do. I think it’s a win-win, and it’s good for Ward 5.”
The Ernsts, who have worked in the hotel industry, looked at the business concept after finding difficulty to store an RV they wanted to purchase. The couple looked at other high-end motor business storage concepts throughout the country to come up with their own plan.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: RallyPoint Motor Condos for high-end autos, boats, coming to Hendersonville
