Jack and Beth had a growing need for more room for storage and Jack’s hobbies.  Motorcycles, cars and Jack’s workshop were all in need of a new home away from their residence.

In August of 2003 Jack and Beth read a front page feature on Toy BoxSM Condos in the Des Moines Register that piqued their interest.  Although they liked the concept, they had ideas of their own about the space they needed to provide their storage and hobby needs.

Like most other Toy BoxSM owners Jack and Beth considered many alternatives.  They could not add a garage to their house, so they considered buying several acres outside of town where they could have a large garage.  Sometime in the future they could build a house on the same site and have everything together with toys and friends and fun.  The problem was that there were no appropriate sites available nearby.  They didn’t want to move very far from town.  In fact, they really didn’t want to move at all.  The thought of rolling down the gravel roads on a motorcycle to the “shed” became less and less appealing.  They certainly didn’t want to live on gravel.

They looked for a stand-alone building with paved surfaces the whole way.  The only property that they found close to what they needed was miles away.  The economics were bad.  That was the real problem.  This particular building would cost way too much after purchase and the necessary repairs.  The building was kind of out by itself and Jack and Beth felt the building was a security risk.  They thought about the maintenance, snow removal and mowing, insurance and the many unforeseen things that crop up when you buy an older property.  When you have grass to mow and other duties, you can’t simply take an extended vacation without making special arrangements.  This direction wasn’t working out either.

The whole process took a few years.  They weren’t in a hurry since Jack wasn’t yet retired.  At the time retirement was right around the corner Jack and Beth were reminded about the Toy BoxSM Condos and decided to check them out.

When they toured the available Toy BoxSM units the wheels started turning.  Beth quickly realized that Jack needed two units and not one.  With the available options, Jack was seeing the benefit of having the units exactly the way he wanted them.  He even added the restroom himself to satisfy his woodworking and construction hobby.

Jack says part of the enjoyment of owning his unit is that it is an ongoing project.  The Toy BoxSM itself has become a hobby.  He’s been hanging collector signs, designing the space, building his workspace and the restroom.  He’s not done yet.  A loft and a tool room are on the drafting table, which is also in his Toy Box.

Beth was not a marginal factor in the purchase of their Toy BoxesSM.  She was the motivator! While it seems this unit is Jack’s rather than Jack’s AND Beth’s.  Beth will tell you that although it is for Jack’s stuff and Jack’s hobbies,  Beth may have gotten the better end of deal.  She got the house back! The genius!!

Jack and Beth are increasingly pleased with their decision to buy Toy BoxesSM rather than pursue their other options.

In their words: " . . . the units are well constructed.  As our kids get older we can now contemplate downsizing our home rather than building something bigger on several acres.  We are only a few minutes from home and even closer to hardware stores when you need something for a project.  The units are very efficient.  We keep the thermostat at 45 degrees and our biggest bill was $50 this last winter.  Some of our friends have been out to the units and they call it the "man cave".  We like the fact that there is a mix of other hobbyists here to socialize or discuss hobbies with.  It’s a clean well lit environment inside and out."

Jack and Beth are satisfied Toy BoxSM owners!  Watch for a new Featured Unit in our September 2008 newsletter edition!