Starting in August, Thornwood, N.Y., residents can rent storage space at a facility committed to green principles. The 48,000-square-foot, 360-unit Thornwood Self Storage Center uses rooftop solar panels, motion-sensor lighting, energy-efficient heating and cooling, and several other environmentally friendly features. The facility is the brainchild of local real estate developers and long-time business partners Dan Kasman and Michael Gyory, who are dedicated to the local community and energy conservation.
The three-story self-storage structure was converted from a health club, reusing 95 percent of the existing structure. Construction debris was recycled and reclaimed in an effort to reduce the impact on landfills. The facility offers recyclable and biodegradable packing materials and uses only environmentally friendly cleaning products. Local vegetation has been planted around the facility to eliminate the need for an underground irrigation system. The facility also has an onsite power backup and an alternative-fuel moving truck.
"These green practices help to dramatically decrease energy consumption, save natural resources and provide a better experience for customers and employees, at no additional cost," said Gyory. "We also feel it is important to raise awareness of good environmental practices among members of our local community." The business is developing several outreach-based initiatives and partnerships with environmental organizations.
Kasman and Gyory engaged the services of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and O'Dea, Lynch, Abbattista Consulting Engineers to facilitate the energy-efficient development of the building.
The project was funded with a $4.3 million construction loan from Wells-Fargo Bank NA.
Kasman and Gyory also built and operated Katonah Self Storage Center, which they sold in 2005.
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