Homeowner invests $80K to rent out backyard for upscale tailgating
Martin Vloet and friends enjoy his patio at night. You can rent the space out for home football games this fall for $1,800 to $4,000.
Courtesy Martin Vloet
Martin Vloet has gone a few steps further. He has invested $80,000 and hours of his own personal labor in MGoPatio, a prime tailgating space that Vloet hopes to rent out for corporate and private functions before, during, and after games.
Vloet, a photographer who works for the University of Michigan and gets to watch most football games through a lens on the sidelines, has turned his backyard into a tailgater’s paradise. A 1,500-square-foot red brick patio emblazoned with a large block “M” is abutted by a two-story two-car garage. The garage building has multiple flat-screen TVs, a grill, tables, and lawn chairs; the only thing missing is a built-in bean-bag toss game.
Those private revelers looking to throw their party away from the crowds in the parking lots that surround the stadium can rent all or part of the area for $1,800 to $4,000 depending on the event and how much of the space will be used.
When Vloet and his wife bought the property at 312 Berkley Ave. in 2007, it came with a small one-car garage in the back that he wanted to get rid of. After advertising the structure as a “free garage to good home” on craigslist, he was delighted when a family came and deconstructed the entire thing in one day. They took everything but the shingles to a farm up north, and Vloet was left with an empty back yard.
Renters can bring their own food, or arrange for a caterer to bring the grub.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
“We were going to be starting a family, we have a daughter who’s now 2, and we didn’t have a dining room in the house. We knew we needed some space to expand.”
During the construction of the new garage, Vloet rented out the space for a 40th birthday party. Between the positive reaction of the partiers to his location and watching loud boisterous parties every week on the patio next door, Vloet decided to go all-in and bring MGoPatio to life.
While the structure of the approximately 1,200 square foot garage was built over a few days in early 2008, the finishing touches to what became a project lasting more than four years are being applied to the space as football season quickly approaches.
Now Vloet is working on finding customers willing to pay the somewhat hefty-price to rent the location for Michigan home games and the Winter Classic.
Sports Illustrated will be hosting a private party on the patio during the Michigan State game, and Vloet has likely found clients for the final game of the season as well. However, the Air Force, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Northwestern games are still open, just two and a half weeks before the first home game of the season.
“The goal with having the event at MGoPatio is to bring the fun and high profile kind of upscale events back to Sports Illustrated,” Andrew Robinson, who works for SI in West Bloomfield, said.
“It’s going to be a party for some of our top-tier clients from in and around the area, giving them an opportunity to tailgate right next to the Big House.”
Vloet hopes to eventually also ship off his house, a “kit” house that he said Habitat for Humanity is interested in taking away in its entirety.
“We are resigned to the house being an ugly sister for a least a couple more years,” he said.
“But we’re going to redo the thing eventually, with similar eco-friendly materials that we used when building the new garage.”
For now though, Vloet is squarely focused on filling out this season’s schedule. He is offering discounts through his Facebook page in an attempt to drum up business and is also raffling off four Big House bench seats to fans who “like” the page.
Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2
Comments
Mambo5
Mon, Sep 10, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
Berkley Ave is one of the best roads in Ann Arbor. I am a UM alum and live very close to Martin and myself, nor any of our neighbors have ever had any complaints about noise. On football Saturdays - Ann Arbor tailgates. It is simple as that. Everyone knows how much the city loves/needs U of M football. Martin is just giving other people an OPPORTUNITY to come see for themselves why our stadium is called the Big House and why we are the Leaders and Best. Go Blue!
Tom Todd
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
If this guy worked for a municipality or belonged to a union he would have to go in hiding.
ownrdgd
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
I'll bet the city of a2 is just licking there chops with all the fines they are going to receive for doing business in a residential neighborhood. The way mr homeowner went about it is really stupid Your looking for lots of exposure ,well you got it but not the kind your looking for. The city will eat you alive with zoneing issues. Word of mouth is the best way to get your name out. Not doing news articles
Honest Abe
Mon, Aug 27, 2012 : 5:31 a.m.
Well said.
CynicA2
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
Given that not everyone in the 'hood is likely a football fan, or car parker, I can foresee some noise and nuisance complaints in this guy's future, especially if the drunks persist into the late evening, or start peeing and puking in the neighbor's bushes.
Ricardo Queso
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 3:42 a.m.
That tailgate spot is successful? You didn't build that! A tax on you, share that success!
aquileyendo
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 3 a.m.
And this is why I never have and never wil live that close to the stadium. Wouldn't be able to stand the noise, lights, noise, traffic, noise
Ricardo Queso
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 3:43 a.m.
Your point?
justcurious
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
I think a follow up story is in order to answer all of the questions that people have presented on here. That is what a responsible news organization would do. Then there would be no more questions about this, right?
Unusual Suspect
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
Craig is right. Except for the really important stories, like somebody from MLive visiting Washtenaw Dairy.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
I've come to the conclusion they don't have the time or personnel for much follow up on a lot of stories.
SEC Fan
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.
must be doing it for love. $80K is a lot to spend on something like this. If he can rent it for the full $4K each time for every single home game, you're looking at almost 3 years to get his money back...not counting cost of $$, etc. realistically, it's 4-5 year payback.
SEC Fan
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.
4-5 years before you start making any money? Not too bad? ok...
Ricardo Queso
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 3:44 a.m.
Not too bad in my book.
Ron Granger
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
No pool? Hot tub? I don't see any TVs. Where are the outdoor TVs?
Terri Eagen-Torkko
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
I will be shocked if he didn't have every I dotted and T crossed. This is a fantastic idea--and I do think it merits coverage because it's different. It's not yet another restaurant, it's an atypical venture. As an event planner, I can tell you that that rent for this space is quite low, fwiw.
Unusual Suspect
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:31 p.m.
I'm going to go along with those who are predicting that he's going to sorry he went public with this. Neighbors, especially those who are also making money by parking cars at the same time this guy is doing his thing, can be tolerant. The city is another story. Although, it is one step better than the local businessman with problematic ethics who did this same thing by renting out his own land and land owned by UM adjacent to his own.
zanzerbar
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
You go that right. He should have keep it under the radar, now the city will certainly investigate his new "business" He may be left with a very nice patio that only his friends and family can enjoy.
Unusual Suspect
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
How does zoning affect the operation of a business in a yard in a neighborhood?
Tesla
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
This article creates a lot of interesting questions Ben (Freed). Perhaps some follow up "investigation...heh" is warranted and an updated article with your findings?
Tag
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
Expect a call from the city. They're going to need their cut of this "business"
Stephen Landes
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:13 p.m.
After reading all the comments so far (all 49 at this point) I am left with the concern that our government -- even locally -- is so far out of control that one basically needs a permit to breath. I support local, neighborhood, limits on running a potentially invasive business from home (one that impinges on the enjoyment of other peoples' private property). However, requiring permits for everything one does on their own property is pretty invasive, too. Here's a couple that have risked their own money to start a business and the real concern seems to be the POTENTIAL for the City to come along and threaten to shut them down in order to extract payment from them. Useful, helpful, permits (like building inspections used to provide) are one thing, but extortion is extortion even when the "mob" is government.
arborani
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:09 p.m.
My question would be, how about property tax? When (with all due permits) we renovated a kitchen, and later added a small outside structure to our house, the city (re-)assessor was there within 30 days each time.
RUKiddingMe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
Good for a guy maxing out his earning potential, but I'm surprised he got the license for using the Block M. I was told that not only could I not use it for anything remotely close to making money (e.g. making T-shirts for 10 kids), but I couldn't even paint it on my fence. Maybe hes got a friend in the licensing dept. Or maybe that's where part of the 80 grand went.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:45 p.m.
"Well in that case you're looking at it upside down. It is in fact a block W" Now that's thinking outside the block...errr....box. ;)
Third Coast
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
Well in that case you're looking at it upside down. It is in fact a block W
arborani
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
At least a few years back at the University, it was a hassle for a non-athletic department to get permission to use the Block M - e.g., on stationery, bookmarks, etc.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
" Maybe hes got a friend in the licensing dept. Or maybe that's where part of the 80 grand went." or maybe he just got busted. With that I think I'll go to Big 10 Burrito...errr.......BTB for lunch. ;)
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
I like the contrast between approving and disapproving comments here. For one thing, it finally clarified for me what Football Saturdays are all about. (Wild enthusiasm backed by lots of money). Not that I care: I've enjoyed living in Ann Arbor since I arrived nearly 40 years ago. I quickly realized: the best approach to Football Saturdays was to go with the flow. Becoming interested and finding reasons to do so proved to be a great "social aid" and provided a season in itself: the Season of Football Entertainment. I discovered that this season lasts four months and sometimes a bit more. The only bizarre part was when I discovered that Michigan Football is the 800 pound gorilla in the room. It affects even our economic system - but usually to good effect. I also learned that this season is scalable: and the only mistake I've seen involves trying to ignore it or complain about it. One can spend very little or use already existing resources we use for other purposes during other seasons (like the television set). Or, if one has the money, one can go all-in and create wonders of free enterprise innovation (like the example in this article). So the basic lesson I learned 40 years ago is: either learn to enjoy (or even exploit) Michigan Football or just don't move to the town of Ann Arbor. An 800 pound gorilla lives here and if you don't like gorillas, you're going to be unhappy here.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:46 p.m.
well said. I will only add the reminder that the 800 pound gorilla only gets loose 6-7 days a year.
Tesla
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
I'm curious. Were there any zoning issues in getting this commercial space approved in a residential neighborhood?
Dutch Thomas
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:29 p.m.
the city will be looking to wet their beak soon. They will call it acting for the good of the city.
Tesla
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
He'll be lucky if they don't shut him down. You can't run a commercial business like that in a residential neighborhood to my knowledge.
Wolf's Bane
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
I'm going to level my house and build a second stadium! Maximus Maximus Maximus...
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Set this article aside for a moment, I truly believe that parking on lawns should require a permit. The city is always coming to me, the taxpayer, and all of you, when it is time to collect out summer/winter property taxes. We always hear about budgets coming up short, police lay off's and such. But there are home owners out here, who break a city ordinance by allowing cars, and on some properties a lot of them to park on their lawn while charging $40 and up to park. I also doubt Uncle Sam is getting his cut to add. Now...why is it these folks can break a city ordinance, charge outrageous amounts of money for parking on their lawn? When any other day, if you tried parking 10 cars on your lawn, you would see a parking enforcement officer or possibly the police, and you WOULD be cited. No question, CITED, yes, I mean TICKETED! I know a huge reason they get away with it, is because the City of Ann Arbor is closed, and the ordinance enforcement does not operate that day (Saturday) I say either prohibit parking on front lawns and any other illegal business practice over Football Saturday, or begin requiring permits. Our city needs money, and I see no reason why they cannot collect revenue from one of the largest cash making events in Ann Arbor. It should start with the folks who like to turn their yard into a parking lot, a party ground that is charging up to $4,000 bucks or whatever the case may be. And remember.....not all of us like football!! That is the facts.
Ricardo Queso
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 3:52 a.m.
You didn't build that lawn! Listen to yourselves! What a bunch of Marxists!
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
@ Brad- I stand partially corrected. But......As I was saying, if you want to park cars on your property for money, you should have to have a permit. The permit ensures that any public property is not being damaged, no sidewalks being blocked or partially blocked from cramming cars onto the property, easements are not being used to park vehicles on. Easements are public property and you should not be allowed to profit from it. Also to make sure no other safety hazards or public property damage occurs. This also helps the City generate revenue, which it needs. (sure would not hurt my feelings to have more police on the streets). I am against nickel and diming...but this is something that must be regulated and needs to be regulated. If the hot dog vendors need a license, then so do you folks out here who want to stand in the street, flagging cars to park on your lawn for $60 bucks cash. At 10 spots for 8 games, that is a cool $4800 that goes under the radar from the IRS and State, but in the mean time, I can just go ahead and give them nearly HALF of MY income. I suppose the cash sales and tax free money is another topic/problem too huh?
Brad
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
If he's going to put the shuttle there he needs to make sure it's a football Saturday. A friend of mine tells a story of having a discussion with AAPD when there were cars parked on his lawn on a non-football day. He asked about the reasoning and was told that the sidewalks were really too thin to reliably support cars. He then inquired about how there were able to thicken them on football Saturdays, but never really got a good answer.
Killosaur
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
Honest Abe, it's not your lawn. It's not the city's. It's Martin's lawn. He could park the space shuttle on the thing and it would be fine with me.
Brad
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
Sorry but parking on lawns is legal, but only on football Saturdays. 5:166. - Use of off-street parking facilities. (1) No person shall park a motor vehicle in the front open space, except on the driveway, in a structure or within an approved parking space or lot. This subsection shall not be applicable on those days when football games are played in The University of Michigan stadium.
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
By the way, I have no problem with folks parking on the lawn. But, a permit should have to be purchased by the property owner. This permit will allow them an x number of cars on their property, the City knows you are operating a temporary parking business, the city is able to collect revenue since you are profiting too, and it makes everything fair. Even if it is parking cars, guess what? You are running a business!
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.
@Robert Glanville- Parking automobiles on your lawn in the City of Ann Arbor is not permitted. Period. Some things are just given a 'pass' sometimes. Still is not legal by any means.
Robert Granville
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
Also if you don't like football, you might as well keep it to yourself. You're entitled to your opinion but it falls on deaf ears. Nothing you say or do will change the culture of this town. Michigan is Football.
Robert Granville
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3 p.m.
Don't know about other neighborhoods, but in Burns Park parking on lawns is explicitly permitted during football games. I've helped park cars during other events as well. Never been ticketed, cited, asked to stop, etc. Art fair comes to mind.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
I like football, i will be tuned in all fall. But you have some valid points. The thing is, the machine that is NCAA football Saturday (Thursday, Friday) is too big too fight. I remember a few years back a School board member complained about alcohol at Pioneer tailgates. The place was a "drug free" zone. My recollection is he either didn't run again or didn't get reelected. Maybe somebody reading this remembers better than me.
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
I did not know he could have a business in the back yard. Seems he would need a business license, business name, business structure such as an LLC or Inc, the fire dept would need to set a capacity limit, he would possibly need a BYOB license, not to mention proper insurance liability. Geesh, the city of Ann Arbor will fine you if you have a couch on your porch or your grass is too tall, but apparently they do not care anymore about approved planning, zoning, and if you want to open up a business behind your home, to the point that people are willing to pay thousands of dollars, then I would like the money I had to pay the city to get my business on track. I wonder if the city of Ann Arbor is aware of what he intends on using this for? And if everything is approved? Or is the owner assuming since his business will be running on Saturday's, that the City is closed and will never notice?!
Robert Granville
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 2:05 p.m.
This is a great story and I don't much like using it as a platform for this complaint.... but I read this story and a few others AnnArbor.com has printed this week elsewhere more than a week ago. You guys are becoming slow to the punch. I read every morning and most of what I see is old news that I've picked up elsewhere. I don't mind it all that much but it can't be good for business.
Twanders
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
I'm excited for the prospect of this venture. I hope a2.com will follow up and let readers know how this turns out. Perhaps I will turn my side lot into an upscale tailgating venture too! I wish the homeowner success!
outdoor6709
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
This guy must be well connected. Gets free advertising from AA News and is not afraid the thought police will shut him down for no permits.
Brad
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.
I think you need to look up "thought police".
Brad
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
"Sports Illustrated will be hosting a private party on the patio during the Michigan State game" Party? Maybe. Private? Not any more.
just a voice
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
you crashing it with me? Wear armani
smokeblwr
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Haters gonna hate. Everybody needs to chillax and have an MGoBeer.
just a voice
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Does anyone know if this is or is not something the city will step in to deal with. It would suck if he got closed down by the city right on the day of or before his big rental to SI. What are the laws on something like this? Is there a max occupancy question? Zoning question? Who really knows the legal behind this and is it possible for other people to do the same thing?
a2cents
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
Noise and nuisance ordinances might apply.
just a voice
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
I just remembered, there was an article posted here recently about renting out your house for games, the guy said you don't have to declare if you earn income on less then 12 days of use, but who know if that is even true.
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
Well, I can tell you this much, if you run any type of business in A2, you need to have the proper paperwork. I'm sure if his neighbors threw a fit, which is unlikely because they probably sell parking, then it would land the City at his door quicker. I'm thinking they will make there way around to him sooner or later. If you conduct any activity for profit (excluding garage sales and such) you are running a business. Therefore the City will come into play, one way or another. If this guy wants to have a business that provides a service for tailgater's, that is terrific, I always welcome a new business to the City of Ann Arbor, BUT, he has to play by the same rules as everyone else.
dexterreader
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
Liability?? Hope he has good insurance!
j hampton
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.
Uninformed abe. I did receive my jd in 1984. I have several published decisions in the Michigan Court of Appeals on the topic of premises liability. I wish I was not correct, but homeowners have little if any liability for the conditions of their property, even if the prooperty is poorly maintained. If you can spin a scenario where there would be some liability, perhaps you can change my opinion. As for liability for alcohol, I am assuming that the homeowner is not "furnishing" the alcohol, only renting the space. To violate the liquor liability laws, one must furnish the alcohol. Having renters sign a release of liability form is still a good idea, but this would not protect the owner if one of the guests or renters injured a third party that did not sign the release. But I still maintain that there will not be liquor liability for simply furnishing the space.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
j Hampton @ " Perhaps you can spin a scenario where the home owner might have some shred of liability." I'm no lawyer but I once sat on a jury involving a civil suit and alcohol. I listened to the judges instructions regarding Michigan law. I think, based on that, if tailgaters returned to his property and got visibly drunk then drove away and killed somebody he could possibly be named in a civil suit.
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
@j.hampton, perhaps you should go for your J.D. ......NOT! You're wrong. But you can believe what you want.
garrisondyer
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
I say just have all the renters sign waiver forms. Problem solved. "God bless the man who invented permission slips." -- Seymour Skinner
j hampton
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
Honest Abe, aka, uninformed Abe. You are incorrect. I told the reader to google "open and obvious". A lawyer would povide the judge with a long list of cases with citations that stand for the poposition that the land owner does not have any liability to a social guest injured on the propety if the defect is open and obvious. Lawyers would reseach this topic on Lexis or on West Law, not googgle, but this is a pay service so I refered the reade to Google to veify my point. The Judge would be provided with a legal brief with all of these citations, not a suggestion to "google it". A game in November could have ice or snow on the patio and there is no liabiliity if a guest slipped on this condition. There is no liability if a guest drinks too much and falls down the steps. There is no liability in MIchigan to a landowner if a third party commmits a criminal assault upon their property. If this was not the law in Michigan, Ann Arbor Golf and Outing, which is privately owned, would have been sued into oblivion decades ago. I responded to the initial comment as many people are misinformed and buy into the myth that there are lawsuits preventing every fun activity, which is not true. Perhaps you can spin a scenario where the home owner might have some shred of liability.
Honest Abe
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
@J hampton - You're partially wrong. The conditions that you are talking about are not parallel with the set up this guy has. Taking into consideration of the activity he is personally going to permit, Yes, he would be liable if someone was injured. Go tell a judge to "google" something, and see how far you get.
j hampton
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
I am trying to envision his liability? He is renting his patio and not providing alcohol. In Michigan, no one has any libility for any defect that is capable of being observed upon casual observation. Google "open and obvious" in Michigan. In Michigan, there is zero liability for snow covered walks, broken steps, slippery surfaces, etc, as long as this as this condition is capable of being observed. He has zero liability and it is a cool idea.
Arborcomment
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Seems like a cool idea and wish him success. I'd place good odds on a follow-up story however: "Homeowner Spends $80K, Faces City Permit Issues, Neighbor Complaints On Noise And Parking"
Robin1979
Sun, Aug 26, 2012 : 3:15 a.m.
Arbor - I have a feeling that he probably cleared it with his neighbors before investing/spending that kind of money on the space. I wouldn't be surprised if his neighbors want to utilize it as well! I have to believe that anyone who would purchase or rent a house that close to the stadium understands what comes with the "territory".
Arborcomment
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
Guess we will just have to watch and see how it turns out citizen. It's doubtful that SI or other corporate imterests would hire the "Rusted Out Taurus Stationwagon" (ROTS) Catering Company. Expect something a little more extravagant - and logistical. Meanwhile, the cultured elite, will be sipping their mimosas and when nature calls, will find onside restrooms closed by the city because they are not ADA compliant because the toilet paper roll holders are placed three inches too high.
a2citizen
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
arborcomment, catering trucks are not going to be there at 6:00am. The earliest scheduled game is 3:30 pm. The cultivated elite that will rent this patio are probably not capable of cracking open beers at 9:00am and lasting until 3:30pm, let alone making it to dusk and beyond. Expect the catering trucks (if any, more likely a rusted out Taurus station wagon) to arrive at 11:30am. Guests will start arriving casually about noon and sip their mimosas while engaging in thought provoking conversation. I'll take in the events by watching the pedestrians walk by on their way from Briarwood. As I watch the steady flow of foot-traffic I will ponder the question that has puzzled me for years now: Who would walk two miles to go to a college football game sober?
Arborcomment
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Define "football" Saturday so everyone understands and agrees to include catering trucks delivering supplies to the "MGoPatio" say about 6:00am, and hangers-on from a post game party being there to midnight (or catering and party rental truck picking up stuff) that night, or early the next morning for the same. Then you won't get complaints - I doubt it. And as the city does rent itself out via permit and regulations - expect the homeowner to soon learn just how vast the permit and regulation jungle is.
Brad
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:11 p.m.
Noise and parking complaints on a football Saturday? Good luck with that. As we know, the city essentially rents itself out on each football day, and AAPD is part of that deal.
kathryn
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 12:45 p.m.
Did you say the property was zoned for business? I sure hope he doesn't have any neighbors.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 12:06 p.m.
If he had permits, his water bill will go up due to the impervious surfaces. Look out downstream.
a2cents
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
True, but the original bill adjustments were based on aerial photo interpretation without remediation consideration.
Dawn Zuber
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.
Actually, there's a complicated worksheet that he would have needed to fill out. The purpose of the worksheet is to establish tradeoffs for the "first flush" of rainwater. In other words, he'd plug in the square footage of all the new impervious surfaces, and would end up with a volume of water that he'd need to store on his property to either use now (as in a specially-designed rain garden), to use later (as in a rain barrel) or which could be stored underground until it can slowly seep back into the ground (as in a French drain or drywell).
Wolf's Bane
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.
This is pretty brilliant.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
Good luck. His pricing seems high to me for all but a couple games a year but the market will decide.
Milqueman
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
Well, as any business goes, initial pricing is based off of an anticipated demand and the market you are targeting. There is no history of demand and market to base his prices off, so I imagine it will change (either up or down) before it stabilizes. But, I also believe he set his prices so it's out of reach of the common tailgater. at these rates, $1800 - $4000, for a party of 10, would be $180 - $400 per person. Considering the extremely close proximity to the stadium, relative privacy, and all the luxuries, these prices are set for the higher rollers, and businesses that want to "Show off" to their clients, for example, Sports Illustrated, as stated in the article. These prices are well within reach of this market base, so I see no reason why he should be sold out for every home game, return his initial investment within a few years, and even raise the prices. If I had the money, I would love to rent this for me and my friends. My own private tailgate spot, clean and luxuries, right next to the stadium. Who wouldn't, if they had the money?
garrisondyer
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
That was my first thought too, Craig, but after I gave it a moment's more thought, I decided it'll probably sell out every single weekend. There's a lot of money floating around the greater UM community.
A2comments
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 11:35 a.m.
By going public like this, hope he has all the necessary permits.
justcurious
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
I assume he has clued his neighbors in. Also I would think he might need some kind of license since he is profiting from the parties he will "host" here.
tim
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 2:02 p.m.
I suppost that you would have to have to require similar permits for residents who allow parking on their lawns,water retention ponds , run off plans, commercial enterprise etc etc. I don't see a problem with this guy doing this, but if the city sticks it to him then they're going to have to apply all the rules to everyone else.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
Paul Taylor, you make some valid points but there are permits that amount to little more than a tax. For instance a permit to install a replacement roof. Once upon a time when you called for a roofing inspection the inspector showed up with a ladder, climbed up on the roof (or at least to the eve if too steep to walk) and inspected the job. The last I knew, due to insurance concerns, they stopped climbing up on roofs. They "inspected" a roof from the ground. Yet the price for the permit didn't change.
Paul Taylor
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 12:38 p.m.
Permits do not exist for the primary purpose of tax collection. They exist to limit/permit activities to those appropriate to the zoning. This is what keeps someone from opening up a manufacturing plant or grocery store in a neighborhood, where they would disturb the residents. Land use impacts local streets, water runoff, sewer use, etc. to control these impacts, there regulations and permit processes.
Scott
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
Had the same thought. oh oh. tax collectors.
Craig Lounsbury
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
the city likes to have their cut. They can be "vengeful" when they don't get it up front.
GoNavy
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
Great story. Sincerely hope it works out for this guy.
ligrasp
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 10:29 a.m.
Ingenuity at its finest. This should be a blast. Go Blue!
Halter
Sat, Aug 25, 2012 : 10:25 a.m.
This is just fantastic and I have saved this article for possible future rental. Go Blue!