Auto Country Club in Huntersville ‘on life support’

After months of hype surrounding the new auto country club in Huntersville, the manager of the company developing the project said the business is on “life support” because of a lack of investors.

“There was a lot of interest, but writing a check is a different thing” owner Ed Bongart said. “People are wondering if we’re going over a financial cliff. Everyone’s concerned.”

Bongart added that he’s working on a new project in the area, although he wouldn’t elaborate.

The Automotive Country Club, a place where car enthusiasts could regularly pursue their passion among like-minded individuals, planned to open its doors by the end of 2012.

The plans called for a $15 million club, which was expected to be built on a 27-acre lot at 111736 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, featuring 10 20,000-square-foot buildings, each of which would have held 18 garage condos.

Last March, Bongart said the condos could also be outfitted to include finished living areas, kitchens and baths.

Condos were expected to range from 576 to 1,920 square feet, with prices ranging from $59,900 to $199,900.

Bongart was also going to allow residents to stay in their condos for 30 days out of the year, although they won’t be able to live there full-time. The idea was that condo owners would be able to stay overnight during big race weekends or when they want to have a night out and watch a game.

Other plans for the clubhouse included three levels of security and a 4,000-square-foot clubhouse for regularly scheduled, members-only events.

The idea for the auto country club was so novel that the town of Huntersville had to adjust its corporate business zoning district to accommodate the business.

Jack Simoneau, Huntersville’s planning director, said his department has not had contact with anyone from the auto country club for a long time.