Sykes Self-Service Garage is an emerging DIY automotive workshop in Detroit, Michigan, designed for antique car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics. Located in a restored 1920s auto shop, we provide stall, hoist, and specialty tool rentals in a professional and historically authentic setting. Customers can book space by the hour, by the day, or through a prepaid membership program, with convenient walk-in and online reservation options. Our mission is to empower individuals to confidently complete their own repairs and restorations while expanding their skills through hands-on workshops and celebrating Detroit’s automotive heritage. We want to welcome all automotive hobbyists with an added historic flare.
What is Sykes Self-Service Garage?
The Heavy Lifting Is Done. Now We Finish It — Together.
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There is no landlord, no lease expiration, and no risk of displacement. Property cost is not variable.
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The EPA and EGLE have completed all required work to allow for redevelopment of the property.
Phase I Environmental Assessment — Complete
Phase II Environmental Assessment — Complete
Underground oil tank professionally backfilled and sealed by state certified contractor
Soil testing completed
Over $73,000 in environmental remediation funded and executed
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All structural I beams supporting spans above garage door openings have been replaced
All masonry has been repaired
New roof structure, flashing and gutters
All work was approved by engineering and inspected and approved by the City of Detroit.
A significant amount of work has been completed at our little shop and we are raising customer awareness to complete the final steps. With more than $150,000 invested, here is what has been completed:
What’s left?
Bay doors and man door
Service and Electrical
Hoists and Tools
What will Sykes Self-Service Garage do with my PrePayment?
Your PrePaid Access payment will be recorded and go into an independent business account. Not a dime of this will be spent until we reach our Goal Fund. This Goal Fund is the remaining cost to complete and open Sykes Self-Service Garage! The Goal Fund has actually been shrinking due to capital donations (tools, hoists, and labor).
If you would like regular status updates you have the option to provide your email address and you will be added to our group updates.
Consider:
DIY auto hobby shops are nothing new. I didn’t invent the concept. I grew up with access to a shop like this, and I’ve seen firsthand how valuable they are for independence, skill-building, and our hobby community. What makes Sykes Self-Service Garage different isn’t the idea, it’s the structure. We own the building outright, which fixes the single largest variable cost and protects the shop from rising rents and displacement as property values increase. Many other DIY shops operate out of leased warehouse space and are forced to adjust pricing as rents climb. Our smaller, intentionally designed building is one of our greatest strengths: nearly all of the square footage is active bay and hoist space rather than unused storage or dead warehouse area. That efficiency keeps operating costs controlled and ensures that the space is working for members, not draining resources. On top of that, the space is meaningful. It is a 100 year old filling station and repair shop undergoing restoration in the car capitol of the world, Detroit!