Call it the modern equivalent of the 10-year-old-boys’ clubhouse: an 1,800-square-foot room set up to work on a couple of classic cars, with space for sofas, a big-screen TV, a bar, a poker table and a pool table.

The developer of the Steelwood Enterprise Center and the Larkspur subdivision says there’s a market for that kind of space in residential and commercial settings.

“We’ve done some research and found there are a lot of classic car hobbyists who keep their projects in rented storage units, but those usually don’t have heat, air conditioning or electricity for working on a car,” said Ron Sargent.

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Ground central for the man cave in Idaho is the Steelwood Enterprise Center in Boise. It’s a 62,000-square-foot owner-occupied complex with a wide variety of local businesses, including a number of construction and development industry businesses.

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“Men have always wanted someplace to where they can retreat and Steelwood represents the evolution of the man cave,” Sargent said.

Leroy Custer always loved tinkering on cars, but as a busy executive with BMC West, he had little time. He retired in May and promptly purchased a space at Steelwood, where he keeps a 1968 Corvette, a 1958 Pontiac Chieftain, a 1967 Camaro and a 1928 gas pump he’s restoring. Memorabilia from his 39 years at BMC adorn the walls – golf clubs, photos, a company map signed by employees in all the states where BMC is active. A kitchenette and a desk with high-speed Internet (useful in seeking restoration advice and replacement parts) round out the space.

“Over time, it’s going to involve into more of a social space because with car restoration, you might ask people to come over and help you with something where they have expertise,” Custer said. “I think this space gives me the opportunity to develop new friendships. I even held a retirement party here and fed 60 people.”

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A 1,440-square-foot shell comes with sheetrocked walls, heating, air conditioning, bathroom, mop sink and drinking fountain and sells for about $150,000, or around $100 per square foot. While that might seem like a lot for a recreational space, most car restoration hobbyists sell their work, or work for pay, so their hobby earns some money. The alternative is to take up space in their garage, or rent space at a storage unit that isn’t set up for restoration work. Then, of course, there’s the recreational and social aspect. Sargent pointed out the units are also an investment, as their value will increase over time and occupants aren’t throwing money away on rent.