Hey, aren't you the dude that told me to put MY equipment in my closet?
Dude, you got a thing for the look of custom installs? I sense a new career!
I think yours is a good idea! Are you thinking that you would basically have a hole in the wall with equipment on shelves behind the hole? If so, I don't think it will increase the value of the townhouse. I think it needs to be finished on the inside "walls" alongside the equipment.... Maybe a pro to do some sheetrock and a molding to match the closet doors?