A pair of metro Atlanta auto enthusiasts have pinpointed what they call a gap in the market: Converted, social spaces for gearheads and car collectors in key locations.
Moto Escape, billed as “Atlanta’s premier car storage and social club,” announced today the opening of a 30,000-square-foot, adaptive-reuse facility near downtown Chamblee.
The 1951 building, also situated near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, is described by Moto Escape as one of the largest purpose-built, private auto clubs of its kind in the Southeast.
Exterior of Moto Escape's 30,000-square-foot Chamblee conversion project. Courtesy of Moto Escape
It joins another Moto Escape adaptive-reuse location (24,000 square feet) in Marietta near Dobbins Air Reserve Base that opened in 2022 and has filled to capacity. (Addresses for both locations are understandably undisclosed.)
The concept was founded in 2019 by pals Chris Fabina and Matt Otten, who needed space to work on car projects beyond a packed, personal garage. The first venture was a 6,500-square-foot warehouse that was quickly filled to capacity, leading the duo to the much larger Marietta digs.
Inside Moto Escape's spacious new Chamblee facility. Courtesy of Moto Escape/IG
Courtesy of Moto Escape
The Chamblee outpost aims to fill what Fabina and Otten view as a “clear gap” in the market for Atlantans willing to pay for not just secure storage but space with lifts and tools to maintain vehicles—and a lounge setting to gather with likeminded enthusiasts. Wash bays are also included.
“Demand outpaced capacity faster than we expected,” said Otten in a prepared statement. “Members wanted more room, more flexibility, and a space that felt purpose-built rather than improvised. Expanding to Chamblee was the natural next step.”
We’ve asked Moto Escape reps for more details on the Chamblee building’s past lives—and for info on rental/membership rates—and this story will be updated with additional details that come.
Courtesy of Moto Escape
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