The Stow Co. Revs Up Michael Andretti's Garage
By Michaelle Bradford | 02/22/2012 2:39:00 PM
Garage make-overs and remodeling are increasing in popularity as more owners view that space as an extension of the home — another room in which to blend and showcase their personality and style, as well as creating an organized space for disparate items.
For racing great Micheal Andretti, president and CEO of Andretti Autosport and a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice, the decision to makeover his garage was no different.
Lack of efficient organization was one of the driving forces prompting Andretti to remodel his garage. But he also wanted the space to blend visually with his home.
“Our garage was a mess, and our stuff was all over the place. Not only did we need to get our things in order, we wanted to do it with style,” he said in a statement. “It was important to me and my wife, Jodi, that our garage could reflect the same level of style as the rest of our home.”
Familiar with The Stow Co.’s ORG product line because his father, racing legend Mario Andretti, has ORG products in his garage, he decided they would be a good fit, offering a variety of finishes and durability.
The Stow Co.’s design team then came up with a plan that fulfilled Andretti’s need for an organized garage as well as complement the design theme of his home. ORG West Michigan, a local dealer, was involved in the installation process.
“The Andretti heritage is so rich and they are proud of that,” says John King, design manager for The Stow Co. “So, we designed a solution that embraces their lifestyle and showcases some of their accomplishments.”
Since cars have always been the focal point of Andretti’s life, it was only natural that his garage have a showroom style and become a focal point of the home as well.
To blend with the old-world style of the house, ORG used rich colors, textures and customized features throughout the garage. Three-dimensional plans designed with ORG's proprietary software ORGdesign allowed the Andrettis to be involved in the design process and visualize the garage solution before it was installed. This close collaboration resulted in an aesthetically pleasing and vastly improved garage that’s a perfect match for the Andretti’s style and organizational needs.
The new garage features workbenches, custom cabinets, lighted display cases, coated floors, an ORGwall system with snap-and-lock hooks and baskets, as well as crystal chandeliers. The cabinet, in a Copper Blaze finish, serves as the family’s primary storage for coats, boots, holiday decorations, outdoor equipment and racing gear. The shelves are 1-inch thick and adjustable with hanging rods storing racing jackets. The cabinets also feature dovetail drawers.
Above the cabinets, carefully selected racing memorabilia are strategically positioned for display, showcasing Andretti's many trophies.
Another special feature of Andretti’s garage is the designated parking and storage space for scooters.
“Just like a pit stop, there are designated parking zones for their scooters. It’s a simple concept: The design is apparent and intended to accommodate daily use,” said King.
The back walls are equipped with the ORGwall system that has snap-and-lock hooks and baskets for holding helmets, keys and gloves. The ORGwall system is finished in Dover white, which highlights and complements the textured surfaces surrounding it.
While Andretti has seen his share of garages in his racing career, he finds his home garage quite impressive. “My ORG garage is beautiful,” he says. “The whole solution was custom designed for us. We couldn’t ask for anything better.” n
Michaelle Bradford is Managing Editor of CLOSETS magazine, Custom Woodworking Business magazine and ClosetsDaily.com Weekly eNewsletter.
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