The Evolution Of The Self Storage Unit

This self storage blog concerns the design of self storage facilities.  Since the storage industry came into being there have been five generations of facilities.  Each generation of facility is different from the next generation.  Just as anything else self storage facilities have become architectural masterpieces.  For example a self storage facility in Florida has been built to with stand a category five hurricane.  This facility is supposed to not only withstand an enormous storm it is fashioned by awnings over each individual window, a mix of brick and stucco on the exterior and lush palm trees to dress up the parking lot.  This facility is the picture perfect example of the modern day self storage facility.
 
The remainder of this blog with be spent showing how self storage facilities have evolved to their modern day designs.  To do this you must start with first generation facilities.  First generation facilities are all out door sheds with roll up garage doors.  These facilities offer not security and are used for general storage.  Another typical feature of first generation facilities is that they are one story buildings.  Second generation facilities are slightly more advanced then first generation self storage facilities.  With second generation facilities perimeter fencing and a security gate to limit access to the units are general features.   Second generation self storage facilities are built with manager apartments and employee an on site manager.  These facilities are generally still one story outdoor facilities but during the second generation of design some air conditioned units did come into being.  Like second generation facilities third generation facilities have the added security features of a fence and gate.  These facilities can either be one or two story and have carefully laid out climate controlled units.  The evolution from third generation design to fourth generation self storage design can be seen by looking at the evolution of climate controlled units.  Fourth generation facilities are designed as multi level air conditioned buildings.  Facilities built in the fourth generation are professionally managed and thus do not have a constructed office aimed for managerial use.  It is in this generation that humidity control becomes a focus of facilities designers.  The fifth generation of self storage facility simply expands on the fourth’s general concepts.  With fifth generation facilities all spaces are indoor climate controlled and individually alarmed.   These buildings provide back up generators and are focused on protecting customer’s items during long term storage.
 
It is important to understand these different generations of facilities when working in self storage acquisitions.  To be able to adequately evaluate a facility you must be able to identify what generation it is built.  Once you understand the generation you will be able to identify what type of self storage you will be working with either climate controlled or regular storage as well what features that facility will offer.   What generation a facility is built in can be a good indicator of what the facility is worth.  If you are looking to purchase a first generation facility you may need to factor in the cost of adding security featured and updating outdoor facilities.

Minnesota Storage Units
   
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Storage-Mart on Griffin Road – Dania Beach, Florida

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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