New self storage builds are popping up everywhere, and more localities are sharing concerns about self storage development - or halting it altogether. New York City, San Francisco, and Charleston, South Carolina, recently enacted policies aimed at limiting the development of self storage properties. New self storage builds are under more pressure than ever to make their facility attractive and community-enhancing enough to woo city authorities for zoning approval.
So how exactly are self storage brands winning over city authorities? As the industry changes pace from rapid expansion to more moderate, sustainable growth, new builds face added scrutiny from city planning officials who place a negative stigma on storage facilities. To balance market demand and pressure from city zoning administrators to develop more attractive self storage properties, here are some of the latest trends we’re seeing in new storage construction around the country.
Beyond Self Storage in Rochester Hills, MI offers state-of-the-art architectural design that improves both the building aesthetic and the customer experience.
Aesthetic design.
Self storage design is entering a new age. Today’s facilities have gotten a serious makeover, taking on the look of a swanky office or educational building, with more unique architectural elements like creative lighting, sleek design, large windows or atriums, and first-class finishes. Curb appeal is also getting revitalized, with lush landscaping, stylish perimeter fencing, vibrant greenery, babbling water features, and elaborate entrances.
In short, new storage construction projects look like anything but traditional storage properties. Beautiful new building and property styles are challenging the stereotype of ugly concrete “fortresses” and bringing five-star amenities and superior building upgrades to neighborhoods all across the country.
The Self Storage Vault in Brightwaters, New York offers premium climate-controlled storage at their new modern, multi-level facility.
Amenities galore.
New storage construction sites are not skimping on amenities. Sparkling clean units, round the clock digital surveillance, state-of-the-art climate control, 24-hour digital gate access, online rentals and move-ins, and more are offered to customers looking for premium storage. Whether they’re storing household items, or their valuable art collection, security and convenience are of utmost importance.
Some new builds go the extra step to create a dual-purpose space, adding free Wi-Fi and modern meeting and conference rooms, as well as faxing and shipping centers. New builds are consistently catering to the business-minded storage customer and dedicated to making their property a contemporary gathering place for the community.
Your Storage Center in Parker, Colorado offers exceptional indoor, temperature-controlled RV, boat, and vehicle storage to the outdoor-loving mountain community.
Niche storage.
The need for specialty storage is on the rise, and new storage builds are using the trend to their advantage by adding niche storage to meet consumer demand. Luxury RV and boat storage facilities are becoming more popular for niche markets, with proximity to nearby lakes and desirable recreational areas presenting ample opportunities for specialty storage.
For builders in affluent urban areas, requests for specialty wine storage pour in, with cellars keeping corked bottles at precise temperature and humidity levels. For extra convenience, many facilities accept wine deliveries for tenants who belong to wine clubs or work in the wine business. Besides wine and luxury vehicle storage, more businesses like StoragePallet.com and Closetbox are offering full-service and valet storage services that make storing your stuff as easy as ordering a pizza. The market for specialty storage is growing, and new storage build are jumping on the bandwagon by offering niche services.
Green, eco-friendly design.
More than ever before, it’s smart for self storage business to shrink their building’s carbon footprint through eco-friendly design. While the upfront costs of adding green energy to your storage building may put a dent in your budget, the long term effects can help give your business a competitive edge and thrive for years to come.
Many new facilities are incorporating green design into their building construction, providing customers with solar-powered lighting, optimal indoor air quality, and energy-efficient features, such as well-insulated walls and windows. Since many new builds are multi-story, the added height gives self storage facilities an ideal, solar-friendly layout. Solar panels can then easily be set up on the roof of the building to run the facility with solar-generated power.
What storage construction trends are you seeing your neck of the woods? Fire off in the comments with your insights or predictions for self storage construction in 2017.