Comic genius Steven Wright once deadpanned: You cant have it all. Where would you put it? Todays self-storage options have proven him wrong. Americans bulking up on flashier, speedier vehicles have discovered that versatile storage facilities are their grown-up toy chest.
Boats and RVs dot the lakes, rivers, woods and coastlines of Shreveport, La., home to an enthusiastic population of adventure seekers and nature lovers. The outdoors is a way of life in this part of the country, but many residents dont have enough room to stow their weekend and vacation gear. Thats where Ellerbe Storage Center comes in. Catering to the needs of campers and boaters, the 1-year-old facility also offers wine storage and business services.
Two Birds, One Stone
For a long while, many Shreveport residents had two choices on storing their RVs: park many miles from home, or comply with strict ordinances on parking within city or neighborhood limits. 
On Nov. 21, 2005, Ellerbe Storage Center opened its doorsand business has been as brisk as a Ski Nautique skimming Lake Bistineaus surface on a summers morn. The facility offers 22,325 square feet of conventional storage, 10,080 square feet of boat storage, with another 18,000 devoted to RV space.
It really was a no-brainer to open an RV- and boat-storage center, says Shaun Ferguson, property manager at Ellerbe. Its no exaggeration that the state motto is Sportsmans Paradise, because in Louisiana everyone has at least a boat. We are located in an affluent area of town that has extremely strict covenants in the communities, so parking a recreational vehicle in a driveway is not an option.
By summer, boat and RV storage was nearly 80 percent occupied, offering 24 units sized (15-by-50) to accommodate RVs and party barges, as well as 24 drive-through units (12-by-35) for fishing boats, ski boats or construction equipment. The 15-by-20s rent for $340 a month, the 12-by-35s go for $195.
We really hit on a need for this area, says Ferguson.
The Whole Kit and Caboodle
Ellerbe is self-storage done right. Conventional units range from 5-by-5s to 10-by-20s, and offer:
- Drive-up access for easy loading and unloading
- Monthly pest control
- Individual door alarms
- In-set cylinder locks
- Digital video surveillance, round the clock
- Climate control
Extra-wide driveways accommodate moving vans coming and going, and ample night lighting keeps the area bright all hours. Ellerbe also provides platform dollies for moving convenience. Music is piped throughout the buildings, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Security is considered a high priority. Plus, theres a septic dump, water station, electrical outlets and overhead lighting in the units. The response has been gangbusters, says Ferguson.
Wine Cellar Sells
Wine storage is a recent luxury to the Shreveport community. Ellerbes 900-square-foot cellar meets wine-storage standards of 54 to 56 degrees with 50 to 70 percent humidity.
We thought we had a real good shot at it because wine storage does well in places [with similar demographics] like Dallas and Houston, Ferguson says.
A biometric fingerprint scanner controls access to the cellar, which is also monitored by video surveillance. Most wine-storage cellars charge per bottle, but Ellerbes fees are based on space rented. Six sizes are available. Small lockers fit four to five cases, ideal for those just starting a personal wine collection; medium lockers hold 10 to 12 cases; large fits 18 to 20 cases; and a 4-by-5 walk-in unit is spacious enough for 60 to 70 cases.
Some people collect comic books, Jay Leno does expensive cars, and more and more people are becoming wine collectors, says Ferguson. Were just answering another need. Plus, wine storage lends a certain prestige to the place. The cellar is off to an impressive start, with two avid collectors already storing private collections, and a number of restaurants renting space.
To further appeal to well-heeled clientele, designers made sure the entrance to Ellerbe created a memorable first impression. Our lobby looks more like a grand hotel than a self-storage office, says Ferguson. We have stained-concrete floors, granite countertops and a comfortable sitting area with sofas, chairs and lots of plants.
A hospitality area can be reserved for small business meetings, complimentary bottled water is available, and a business center holds daily office hours, providing copying services, fax machine and wireless high-speed Internet. Plus, we have a great 500-squarefoot retail center with office and packing supplies, adds Ferguson. Weve got it allboxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, peanuts, mattress coversthe extra amenities that people need.
Lands End
With the Shreveport business afloat, parent company Southern Storage Centers recently celebrated the grand opening of facility No. 2: South Bossier Storage. The 100 percent climate-controlled site began offering traditional storage space in June and promises drive-in boat and RV units within a few months.
Having found its niche, Southern Storage Centers plans to aggressively build throughout northwest Louisiana, Arkansas and eastern Texas. Were hoping to expand by two facilities a year for the next 10 years, says Ferguson.
According to Ferguson, its no surprise Ellerbe is becoming a oft-visited spot by big-toy collectors in the Shreveport area. Ive been in the business for 10 years and have visited storage facilities from the East Coast to the West Coast, he says. Ive never seen one set up quite like this one. Its pretty awesome.