For some, a garage is just a place to park. For others, it’s a sanctuary – a space where the scent of motor oil and the click of a ratchet mark time in their own rhythm.
At Hoist House (hoist-house.com) in Troy, that rhythm plays out every day as hobbyists, weekend warriors and seasoned gearheads come together to restore and rebuild their dream machines.
More than just a workshop, Hoist House is a community – a shared space where people trade tips as freely as tools and where projects are measured not just in horsepower, but in heart.
Founded by childhood friends Max O’Connor and Dustin Utz, Hoist House grew out of a simple idea: people who love cars need access to the right tools and a culture that welcomes everyone, regardless of experience.
With backgrounds in engineering and service, O'Connor and Utz designed the space to be fully equipped for serious work — whether you’re swapping an engine or chasing down a stubborn suspension rattle.
The garage itself features industrial-grade hoists and access to dealership-level diagnostics across 10 bays. But what truly sets it apart is the vibe.
“There’s nothing else like it around,” says Utz. “We’ve met so many incredible people through this space, seen so many cool builds come through the doors. It’s really special.”
On any given day, you might see someone fine-tuning a vintage Mustang while a first-timer tackles their very first brake job with a little help from a neighbor in the next bay.
“It’s pretty amazing — especially on weekends when the garage is packed,” Utz says. “Total strangers will jump in and help each other out. You see people connecting over cars, becoming friends, becoming part of something bigger. That happens every weekend. It’s just part of the culture here.”
There’s a rhythm to the place that feels distinctly collaborative—quietly industrious but never isolating. A stranger becomes a sounding board. A shared socket wrench sparks a conversation.
Some members stop in for the day to work on basic maintenance, taking advantage of the hoists and tools. Others rent bays by the month, bringing in project cars that stay a while. Still others come simply to hang out, talk shop and see what’s taking shape under the next hood.
Because in the end, Hoist House isn’t just about cars. It’s about the people who love them–the ones who find joy in the build, pride in the process and friendship in a shared obsession.