JOLIET – The racing set is downsizing.
Or, at least some are, said Mark Basso, president of the Autobahn Country Club.
That's why the club for racing enthusiasts is introducing a new housing concept – condos for members who don't want the expense or don't want to put in the time to maintain their own property at the track.
"It's kind of Garage Mahal light," Basso said, referring to the popular name for the large garage housing at Autobahn.
The club has sold 74 of the 76 lots set aside for the Garage Mahals. It has five or six lots that can be used for the condos, Basso said.
Each condo comes with its own 25-by-50 foot garage. That's smaller than the 60-by-60 foot garages at the single-family units but still large enough to hold at least four cars, Basso said.
"These are a more affordable option," Basso said. "You can do the same things. It's just smaller space."
The condo living space actually will be smaller than the garage – 25 by 25 feet. Like the single-family units, the condos will have decks overlooking the track and windows looking into the garages.
Condos will cost $275,000. There will be five or six condos per building. Basso said the club has deposits on five condos so far.
The Joliet Plan Commission on Thursday approved amendments to the Autobahn's annexation agreement. The Joliet City Council also will need to approve the amendments before the club can build the condos.
Basso said Autoban expects to start construction on the first building in July with those condos available in spring 2016.
The residential units typically are used for weekend visits to the club.
Basso said some of the club's 410 members like to have a place to stay overnight, relax with family or throw parties when their not driving their cars on the track.
But as some of the members get older, they are looking for low-maintenance options at the track, just as they are at home.
"A lot of our members, their kids are grown and they're selling their houses," Basso said. "But they still have cars."