‘The demand is real’: Luxury car club and collector community coming to Lake Zurich

Comfy and exclusive homes for classic and rare cars will be coming to Lake Zurich following approvals Monday to annex and develop 20 acres as Luxe Corsa Suites.

The facility will be built on what is known as the Calabrese property on Route 12, south of Old McHenry Road and north of Miller Road.

Featuring 121 customizable, private car suites in 12 buildings, the development is described as a luxury car club and collector community “designed for discerning car collectors and race-minded drivers.”

Former professional driver and high-end builder Romeo Kapudija in late April informally pitched the concept for what he described as a popular and growing business model. On Aug. 20, the village's planning and zoning commission recommended approval.

Kapudija, a Lake Zurich resident, developed the Sanctuary of Lake Zurich residential community and sees a market for a different type of buyer.

“Luxe Corsa is about creating a home for people who live and breathe cars,” Kapudija said in a news release. “We’re merging high performance with hospitality, so it’s not just where you store your car, it’s where you live your passion.”

Other aspects of the development include a high-end exotic boutique car dealership near the front of the development beyond a gated main entrance; an expansive, members-only car-centric clubhouse; and, Miami-based Imperial Moto coffee bar featuring a high-end cafe and lounge.

Condo buildings each sporting a racetrack-themed mural will be interspersed throughout.

As presented, the climate-controlled buildings could hold a maximum of 300 to 400 vehicles and would be protected 24 hours by an advanced security system and on-site personnel. The suites are described as luxury garage homes where owners can enjoy a space that doubles as an office away from the office.

Other amenities includes networking lounges, a bourbon and cigar room, tranquility spa, flexible office space, high-tech conference suites and racing and golf simulators.

“We’re creating something that doesn’t exist in the Midwest but where the demand is real,” Kapudija said.

He raced professionally between 1999 and 2010 for more than a dozen teams including one owned by the late Walter Payton, according to the release.

Buildings on the site will be demolished with groundbreaking to follow as quickly as possible although no anticipated opening date has been given.