Just logged into the Columbus Board of Realtors site this morning and there was an advertisement/press release for a CBR Open House at Grayson's Living Idea.

"The 30,000 square-feet warehouse includes six full-size homes that are outfitted with high-end finishes, appliances and furniture, some of which haven't been shown in Columbus before. ... But unlike other showrooms, customers will come to Grayson's to look and plan, not to buy products. The only thing Grayson's sells directly are Project Management services and other tools, such as books."

But what will you find?

"Grayson's six `idea houses' are working model homes, each with a different lifestyle and way of living. The models showcase new products as well as traditional ones.

A bathroom in Grayson's Living's urban renewal display features a digital shower, with water temperatures, pressure and the number of shower heads used pre-set to an owner's preferences. The digital equipment can handle 12 shower heads. Grayson's family retreat display includes a kitchen with a kids' learning area complete with Internet connection and a laundry next to the children's bedrooms. The master bath includes a Jacuzzi and a steam shower."

If this works in Columbus then the plan is for Grayson to expand to places like Denver and Atlanta.

Interesting concept...but not sure the need. They don't actually sell anything. You are just "window shopping" so it will be interesting to see if they sell enough stuff through the wharehouse for the companies to keep renting the space in the wharehouse.