The ultra-wealthy residents of the Hamptons are setting their sights on a novel form of private membership club—luxurious, secure garage condos where they can store and showcase their supercars and other prized collections. A high-end design firm has introduced this unique concept to Long Island's affluent community, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional storage solutions.
From Florida to New York: Expanding a Luxury Concept
The Hangar Group, a luxury design company, has already achieved success with two sold-out, high-security garage developments in Palm Beach, Florida. These projects feature "garage condos," each equipped with its own clubhouse, creating an environment that the company compares to an exclusive private members' club. Now, a similar complex with 62 units is undergoing the approval process for Westhampton Airport in New York, targeting the Hamptons' elite.
More Than Just a Garage: A Cultivated Space
CEO Scott Cunningham explained to the Daily Mail that this concept is far more refined than a standard garage. "It’s not just a place for you to go and look at your car… it's much more cultured and cultivated than that," he said. Cunningham conceived the idea while spending time in a friend's airplane hangar, which served not only as storage but also as a comfortable retreat for relaxation and socializing.
While images of luxury cars surrounded by amenities like pool tables and bars might evoke comparisons to a "man cave," Cunningham emphasized that the Hangar Group aims for a more elevated and inclusive experience. "Man cave feels sort of secondary or down market..." he noted. "The difference between telling me that I'm staying at a motel versus a hotel or a resort."
Building Community and Celebrating Collections
Cunningham, who developed the concept with his wife Christy, described it as not only about luxury garage designs but also about fostering a community akin to an exclusive social club. "You're meeting people you wouldn't meet anywhere else," he said. According to the company's website, the Hangar Group focuses on helping wealthy individuals "celebrate [their] collections," offering spaces to store gear, showcase passions, and enjoy a hangar built for "play, performance and possibility."
These high-security, gated communities host events, trips, and encourage owners to share their spaces with others. The Westhampton location is expected to break ground in fall 2026, with completion targeted for late 2027. Cunningham envisions owners flying in and out from the adjacent Francis S Gabreski Airport, adding to the convenience and exclusivity.
Interest and Investment in the Hamptons
Owners from the Florida developments have expressed demand for a similar setup in the Hamptons, citing the area's affluent population. "It made a lot of sense because there is a lot of crossover," Cunningham remarked. "There is literally nothing like this on Long Island or in the Hamptons." The island attracts numerous wealthy visitors from New York City and beyond each summer, with Westhampton boasting a median property value of $1.12 million as of 2024, according to Data USA.
Word of this unique addition has spread across the island even before formal approval. "We go where there’s a very affluent concentration of residents, the top percentage of income earners who want the Four Seasons instead of the Holiday Inn," Cunningham stated. Interest is already high, including from existing Florida condo garage owners.
Customization and Exclusivity
The Florida units ranged from 170 to 347 square meters per unit, starting at $799,000, as reported by the Robb Report. After purchasing these spaces, owners often hire designers to personalize them extensively. "It’s really anything that you can imagine," Cunningham said. "What I envision in my space is completely different than what my next-door neighbor might envision." He added, "You can create things people haven’t been able to create anywhere else."
The community offers an exclusive club that hosts trips and events for members, regardless of their location. Advertised as a "collector's space" with a country club vibe, the new Hamptons site will be near an airport for easy access. Cunningham highlighted that while airplane noise might be a concern, owners typically do not live in their garages full-time, instead using them for hosting and social gatherings.
Presales have not yet begun, as the project awaits certain approvals, but Cunningham confirmed they are close to reaching that stage. This innovative approach blends luxury storage with social exclusivity, catering to the Hamptons' elite who seek both functionality and a refined community experience.
