Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruno Silikowski.
Hi Bruno, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
AutoMotorPlex is a Minnesota-born concept that transformed car storage into a lifestyle community. The first location created a new standard for garage condominiums — discreet, secure, climate controlled and fully customizable private spaces where enthusiasts and collectors could store, showcase, and tinker with their vehicles. Quickly, it became a hub for not just cars, but a social community.
Bruno Silikowski, an avid car collector, wsaw the need for a place where enthusiasts could not only keep their vehicles but also connect with others who share their passion. More than storage, AutoMotorPlex became a hub for events, social gatherings, a second office and basically an Urban Cabin.
The Dawning Moment – The concept was literally “born in a garage” – one day, Bruno saw his kids using one of his prized cars as a bicycle kickstand and suddenly understood where all the dents were coming from. That was the turning point—he realized collectors needed secure, dedicated spaces as well as a place to socialize with other enthusiasts.
It all started in 2007 with its first campus in Chanhassen MN followed by the Medina MN campus and several licensing consulting projects in various states around the country with the Indianapolis project being the most current.
Continuously evolving – with every building we construct we listen and learn from our buyers. Offering new features and configurations that create solutions for the things they are searching for. With that customer focus we created space for auto repair services, car wrapping/window tinting as well as a boutique used car dealership.
The Medina site has just under ¼ million sq ft of private garages and is about to expand to an adjacent 20 acres site that will make it the largest private garage condominium facility in the country offering even more amenities and access for even more enthusiasts.
AutoMotorPlex pioneered the concept of garage condominiums.. It’s not just about cars; it’s about building a lifestyle around the passion, community, and expressing it with individual creativity of the buildouts.
The AutoMotorPlex also gives back to the community by sponsoring charitable events and opening to the public on a monthly basis to tour the campus of private garages and enjoy one of the largest monthly car shows in Minnesota.
The AutoMotorPlex has been featured in many publications such as Bloomberg, New York Times, Forbes, Autoweek, Financial Times, Mpls St Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Business, and featured in the NBC/Sports Network TV program “Caffeine and Octane”.
AutoMotorPlex’s culture was shaped by its signature car shows and community events, which turned garage condos into gathering places for enthusiasts. These events fostered camaraderie, showcased rare vehicles, and built the “country club for cars” identity. Shows welcomed everything from classics and muscle cars to exotics and motorcycles, ensuring broad appeal
Charity and outreach: Many events partnered with local organizations, adding a philanthropic dimension to the culture. These events transformed AutoMotorPlex from storage facilities into a social hub where collectors, families, and clubs mingled.
At its core, it’s about access. Not just to garages, but to relationships. To community. To lifestyle. You’re not joining a development. You’re becoming part of a club that speaks your language.
AutoMotorPlex Medina is a model with momentum. It has expansion plans across North America. But Medina represents the flagship — a blueprint for what’s next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Launching during the Great Recession: The AutoMotorPlex campus in Chanhassen opened in 2008, right as the economy collapsed. Financing, sales, and consumer confidence were all under pressure.
Explaining a new concept: Garage condominiums were unheard of in Minnesota at the time. Bruno had to educate potential buyers that these weren’t just storage units, but lifestyle spaces where they could host events, customize interiors, and build community.
Convincing city officials: Local governments were cautious about approving such an unusual development.
Overcoming skepticism from enthusiasts: Many car collectors initially questioned why they should buy a garage condo instead of building a bigger home garage. Bruno had to show the benefits of shared culture, security, and customization.
The challenges ultimately shaped AutoMotorPlex’s identity. What began as a risky idea during an economic downturn became a thriving model for bringing together all of the various car communities into one.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Beyond AutoMotorPlex, Bruno Silikowski has been involved in multiple ventures, including investment companies, and community-building projects. He has been very involved in the local community churches wherever he lived with the most current at St Bartholomew in Wayzata. He is also a youth mentor and was an advisory board member of Benchmark QA for ~5 years. His career reflects both his corporate background and entrepreneurial drive. He is currently as he terms it, on chapter 3.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Family oriented, never thought moving north would improve the weather…. I grew up by the great lakes.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/automotorplex
