I only just heard about the Porsche Design Tower in Miami. Since I'm not a millionaire, the brand-new, luxury high-rise apartment building escaped my attention.
The tower in Sunny Isles opened early last year and features three glass elevators (called Dezervators) that take residents and their exotic cars into any of the building's 132 units. Owners can park two to four vehicles adjacent to their apartments or even inside of them. Why leave your Porsche in a parking garage several stories below when you can take it with you upstairs?
Occupants also have access to a concierge who washes the vehicles and performs basic maintenance, such as tire rotation. If he does oil changes, too, I'm in.
I try to imagine what it would be like to own one of these exclusive beachside units. I would love to have my 1976 911S share an apartment in the sky — not only with me, but literally next to me.
But there would be some issues. While most of the residents at the tower likely have new and classic cars that are in tip-top shape, my Porsche is a work in progress. Lovingly named Smokey due to an incident that occurred several years ago, my 911 would require some extra care. I'm not sure the duties would coincide with the car concierge's responsibilities.
I keep cardboard under Smokey's engine throughout the year to soak up the oil that leaks regularly. While my garage floor isn't perfect, I don't want it saturated with fluids. When there was a significant gas smell in our garage last fall, Smokey, along with my Harley Davidson, were immediate suspects. Fortunately, it was just the snow blower.
I keep a fire extinguisher in Smokey because, honestly, you never know. I cleared up a wiring issue a couple years ago, but I wouldn't be shocked if I turned the key some day and smoke started coming out of the dashboard (again).
While I can quickly drive my Porsche out of the garage if it generates a small fire, who’s to say what would happen if it was stored several stories high? Perhaps the tower features extra safety regulations since vehicles full of flammable substances are housed directly next to and inside the units.
It's difficult to imagine the residents of the tower parking their Porsches, Ferraris and other luxury vehicles on top of cardboard in their pristine garages and living rooms. It would distract from the design. Their vehicles should look and sound like they're in mint condition.
The key to keeping Smokey in good running condition is to drive him frequently. With the Porsche Design Tower, you just exit your apartment, drive your car into the elevator, and hit the town. It sounds easy enough.
Alas, the "cheapest" unit goes for $6 million and is a bit cost-prohibitive to most people. Every unit includes floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony with a private swimming pool and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The penthouse on the 60th floor was initially listed at $32.5 million and allows enthusiasts to drive their cars directly into the living room. It features two sky garages and a separate 3,000-square-foot car gallery. Imagine the Porsches you could display in a spot like that.
I can't park my car in the living room at my house. Smokey wouldn't fit through the front door, and I'd have to drive over the lawn and up the porch to get him inside. Yet there's something compelling about the idea, and my significant other would consent if there was space (and we could rotate vehicles to feature his classic cars as well).
Would you park your car in your house?