State Road Car Wash & Self Storage opens in North Adams

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A North County real estate broker and businessman has opened State Road Car Wash & Self Storage at 213 State Road, prompted by his belief that the new business not only brings diversity to his operations, but that the storage units dovetail with real estate brokerage and management. Michael John Zeppieri, who owns RCI Real Estate with offices in North Adams and Williamstown, said the $850,000 cost of the all-new construction was financed by Hoosac Bank. The two-acre parcel is reached by a driveway between Friendly’s and Monro Muffler. The sign went up last week. The land is leased from city property developer David Carver. The new business is a separate division of RCI. “The real estate business is cyclical, and there’s definitely a need for self storage,” said Zeppieri. The 86-unit self-storage business, he said, allows RCI to offer “an overall package.” While, of course, anyone can rent a unit, purchasers or sellers of houses through RCI may find their need for temporary storage easily accommodated. “It’s a good tie-in,” said Zeppieri. “I’m trying to be more than just a local realtor.” “We do mainly real estate, but I thought the company could grow in other ways. I wanted to offer things that nobody else would.” “If someone is looking to sell their house we can store their furniture while they’re renovating it to put on the market,” he said, offering an example. Similarly, if a buyer has to wait to move into a new house, that furniture can also be conveniently stored, Zeppieri said. Customers who sign a year’s lease get one month free. Units ranging in size from 5 feet by 10 feet to 10 feet by 20 feet rent for between $45 and $95 a month. Some units are large enough to store automobiles. After being open three months, half the units are rented, he said. Zeppieri is launching his new venture just as he prepares to turn 30, next week. This is his 13th year in the real estate business. He was the youngest realtor in Massachusetts at age 18. He continues the firm founded by his father, the late John Zeppieri. After college at Florida Atlantic College in Boca Raton, Fla., he returned to the area, and is happy to see its resurgence. Zeppieri said he built the car wash, spending about $325,000 on the latest and most advanced equipment, because the city may lose one of its car washes, Bestway on River Street, if plans for a park at the site materialize. The car wash has five self-service bays with floors heated to 38 degrees to prevent ice from forming. Zeppieri said a spot-free rinse operates through “reverse osmosis.” Self-service washes cost $2.50. Five vacuums, costing $1.25, include various options. Two can perform carpet shampoos, and another has a fragrance machine. The sixth bay is fully automatic, allowing customers to stay in their cars throughout the operation and to pay by credit or debit card. That automated car wash ranges in price from $5 to $10, with the higher price including wax, heated drying, and undercarriage cleaning. The new businesses employ one worker. Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., said Zeppieri. Telephone is 663-8631.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home prior to renovations.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.

The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.

The house is listed for $359,500.

We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieri and Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.

 

Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.)  The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.  

 

 

What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?

 

Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few.  All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.

 

Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house.  New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house.  New paver patio in the back yard.

 

What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

 

Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.

 

Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.

 

 

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

 

Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.

 

Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.

 

Andrews: Built in about 1965.

 

What do the current owners love about this home?

 

Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.

 

Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.

 

 

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

 

Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.  

 

You can find out more about this house on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 

 

 

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