Self-storage developer Brad McIntire received approval last week to build Brad’s Self Storage in Muncie, Ind. The Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously agreed to a zoning variance for the property on Bethel Avenue, southwest of Morrison Road, according to the source.

The first phase of the facility includes four buildings, each measuring 160 to 170 feet long and 30 to 65 feet wide. A second phase will add more structures. The property will be required to have a 45-foot setback from Morrison Road, the source reported.

Source:
Star Press, BZA OKs Five Guys, Self-Storage Facility

 

Self-storage real estate investment trust Life Storage Inc. is the featured sponsor of the April 21 “Spring Shoreline Sweep”, which aims to remove more than 10 tons of trash from 50 miles of shoreline across Western New York. Now in its 26th year, the event is hosted by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper (BNW), a community-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting area waterways.

In its first year as a sponsor, Life Storage will provide tools and supplies for the sweep, 10 a.m. to noon. “We have long admired the mission and the work of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, and we feel privileged to support this event,” said David Rogers, CEO of Life Storage, which operates 14 facilities in the region.

BNW has identified 53 sites at which nearly 2,000 volunteers will pick up litter, debris and potential pollutants that pose a danger to waterways. They’ll work under the direction of site captains, who’ll provide nitrile gloves and hand tools. The litter will be sorted into recyclable, compostable and landfill-bound bins to reduce the amount of waste, according to the source.

“Our mission is to protect our waterways, restore the surrounding ecosystems, connect people to the water, and inspire community and economic engagement,” said BNW Executive Director Jill Jedlicka. “The ‘Spring Shoreline Sweep’ gives thousands of volunteers an opportunity to work closely with us to make a significant difference in our water’s health in just one day. Regardless of age or geography, we are uniting our community around one goal, and that is to protect our waterways for current and future generations.”

An after-party for volunteers will be held at Resurgence Brewing Co., Noon to 2 p.m. Interested parties must register in advance, as space is limited to 400 people.

Founded in 1989 as “Friends of the Buffalo River,” BNW cleans up pollution from waterways, restores fish and wildlife habitats, and enhances public access through greenways that expand parks and open space.

Based in Buffalo, N.Y., Life Storage operates more than 700 self-storage facilities in 28 states under the Life Storage and Uncle Bob’s brands. Its portfolio of owned and managed facilities comprises more than 49 million square feet.

Source:
Niagara Frontier Publications, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Hosts 26^th Annual ‘Spring Shoreline Sweep’ to Cleanup Regional Waterways

 

After several months of continuances, Jumbo Self Storage LLC received approval this week to build a five-story facility in Burlington, Mass. The 11-acre isolated property is off Blanchard and Wheeler Roads. The plans call for 119,523 square feet of storage space in about 1,000 units. The facility will also include 12 parking spots, three of which will be in the basement of the building, according to the source.

The parcel is within the Aquifer Overlay District, which had been previously used to store construction equipment and related debris. Jumbo worked with the Burlington Conservation Commission to resolve the property’s issues, according to Robert Buckley, an attorney with Riemer & Braunstein LLP who represented Jumbo during the planning meeting. The changes included adding a rain garden, moving the grading out of the riverfront and creating a 20-foot setback. A landscape buffer that includes 387 shrubs and 31 trees will also be added.

During the meeting, the planners and developer also discussed storm-water drainage improvements for the site. Jumbo will increase the property’s flood-storage infrastructure from 35,000 to 37,000 cubic feet to reduce peak flows to the existing creek on the property. The facility will also be 20 feet off the ground, with support pillars to accommodate the site’s grades and flood storage, the source reported.

The planners also requested lowering the building height by 4 feet. It’ll resemble an office building with horizontal panels, glass windows, and additional banding and striping on the structure’s corners.

Although the planners expressed concern about the number of customers who would visit the property, a representative from Jumbo assured the members that the typical person visits a unit once every six months, with an average stay of about 15 minutes. “The trips are so infrequent and short that the traffic impact may go from three cars to four on a bad day,” said the representative.

Jumbo is also building a self-storage facility in Quincy, Mass. The four-story Quincy Self Storage will feature 125,000 square feet of storage space. The first floor will house sales and administrative offices, while the upper floors will contain 1,150 climate-controlled storage units.

Jumbo Self Storage is led by Howard Hirsh, partner, and Jay Hirsh, managing partner and co-founder, of Jumbo Capital Management LLC, a privately held commercial real estate firm specializing in office space. The company made its first foray into the self-storage market in 2015 with the acquisition of a warehouse in Norwood, Mass., that it converted to storage.

Source:
Daily Times Chronicle, Self-Storage Proposal OK’d

Real estate developer Ziff Properties Inc. has acquired the former US Golf & Sports Centers Inc. retail store in Knoxville, Tenn., which it intends to convert to self-storage. Once the renovation is complete, the 6.02-acre property at 11775 Snyder Road will comprise 65,000 square feet of storage space.

The site is near Interstate 40 and Turkey Creek, a mixed-use development that includes retail and restaurants. It’ll be managed by self-storage real estate investment trust Extra Space Storage and branded under its name, according to a press release.

“With the nearby residential growth, we believe this storage facility will be well-received, and [we] look forward to fulfilling the storage needs of the community,” said Christian Chamblee, chief operating officer for Ziff.

Ziff has converted several properties to storage in recent years. In 2016, it purchased the 52,000-square-foot Buncombe Plaza shopping center in Greenville, S.C. The same year, it acquired Mountain Creek Village Shopping Center in a joint venture with Reliant Self Storage. Plans for the 5-acre lot included transforming the space into 81,728 square feet of storage in 718 units.

Based in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Ziff specializes in the acquisition, development and management of commercial properties in the Southeast. Founded in 1992 by Stephen Ziff, the company owns a portfolio including 3 million square feet of self-storage, shopping centers and office buildings.

Though Inyo County, Calif., supervisors rejected a zoning appeal from property owners Cindy and Kent Schlick that would have allowed development of a self-storage facility in the Big Pine, Calif., Central Business District, the board gave the go ahead for planners to allow a conditional-use permit. The move is a step forward for the Schlicks, who want to build the facility on a vacant site along Main Street, just north of the U.S. Post Office, according to the source.

County supervisors reviewed the proposal because the Schlicks appealed a planning-commission rejection of their zoning application. Planning director Cathreen Richards told the board that overturning the commission’s decision would set a bad precedent and allow self-storage “in all central business zones.” County planning staff had determined self-storage wasn’t a compatible use on Main Street.

Kent Schlick argued that zoning restrictions in Big Pine were out of date and that “over 50 percent of Big Pine storefronts are vacant.” He also told supervisors he had unanimous support for the project from the Big Pine Civic Club and approval signatures from 15 of 16 local business owners.

Supervisors directed Richards to allow self-storage as a conditional use within central business districts. The process could take up to three months, the source reported.

Source:
The Sheet, Denied … And Yet Approved

InfraRed NF, a Hong Kong-based real estate investment fund operated by a joint venture, has invested $50 million to acquire a 90 percent stake in local self-storage operator RedBox Storage Ltd. RedBox intends to use the investment money to expand its Hong Kong portfolio through acquisitions, according to the source.

“InfraRed NF is looking for locations in core urban areas that can be converted into mini-storage,” Stuart Jackson, CEO of the InfraRed NF, told the source. “By the end of this year, the company expects to have a presence in all four first-tier cities in China with 100,000 square meters of total storage space.”

RedBox was founded in 2014 by E3 Capital Partners. It operates two self-storage locations in Hong Kong in addition to offering valet-storage and moving services.

InfraRed NF also invested $28 million in China Mini Storage last year. Launched in 2007, the company is a joint venture between InfraRed Capital Partners and Nan Fung Group, a real estate investment firm founded as a textile company in 1954. The partnership specializes in infrastructure and real estate. It’s launched 17 investment funds including two listed on the London Stock Exchange. InfraRed Capital Partners has more than $25 billion invested in development projects, according to the company website.

Sources:
China Money Network, PE Firm InfraRed Invests US$50M In HK Self-Storage Provider RedBox
InfraRed Capital Partners, Website

You know our industry is onto something when the founder of a nail-care empire joins the scene. Among the more than 3,500 attendees who found their way to this year’s Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas was George Schaeffer, the founder and former CEO of OPI Products, a nail-polish manufacturer and a subsidiary of Coty Inc. In anticipation of developing his first facility, OPI Storage, in Deerfield Beach, Fla., Schaeffer wanted to learn more about the business and confirm his notions about what a good facility needs, such as high-end aesthetics, superior customer service and advanced security.

“This is a business about service. People need to feel comfortable in the facility,” he says. “I’m excited to go into the self-storage industry.”

Schaeffer is among many investors and entrepreneurs who are “hot” for storage right now. As the industry blazes with success, this year’s expo drew more than 3,500 people from all 50 states and nearly 30 countries. It also boasted more than 1,000 first-time attendees.

“The self-storage industry is a magnet for discerning professionals, and we want to help them make sound decisions,” says ISS Vice President Teri Lanza. “Our goal with the ISS World Expo is to lay a path to profitability and business fulfillment. We provide education to accommodate every level of interest, from greenhorn to veteran, and each professional role, whether that be investor, developer, owner or site manager. We provide the tools so attendees leave feeling confident in their decision-making ability and equipped to tackle challenges. It’s our privilege to serve the community this way, and the success of the 2018 event was an incredible validation of our efforts.”

Getting Educated

One of the hallmarks of the ISS World Expo is its superb education program. This year it included 45 seminars, eight workshops, 20-plus roundtable discussions, two open-forum Q&As, several vendor presentations and other options. Nearly 100 presenters provided insight on building, investing, ownership, management, marketing and more.

“The classes and seminars offered were a really interesting mix. I'm always more interested in the classes that go over legal aspects of business management, so I gravitated more toward those,” says Anne-Marie Douglas, a first-time attendee who co-owns Lock’N’Key Storage in Newnan, Ga., with her husband.

The show opened on April 3 with four workshops, including the Development Workshop, which was doubled in length this year, from four hours to eight, and broken into two segments. The first focused on the planning stages of a new project, while the second explored the nitty gritty of construction. The pair drew a record attendance of more than 600 students.

A rousing opening session by Calvin Stovall, chief experience officer and iconicity enthusiast for ICONIC Presentations LLC, set an encouraging tone for the first day of seminar-track education on April 4. Titled “Inside-Out Service: A 3-Step Process for Building a Business Customers Will Love,” the presentation focused on ways to deliver a memorable customer-service experience with every tenant interaction. Armed with statistics, real-world examples, and a good dose of humor and entertainment, Stovall presented tactics operators can immediately employ to provide an emotional connection with consumers.

From Stovall’s session, attendees raced into one of five seminar rooms, where presentations were organized into comprehensive tracks. After several hours of intense education, they enjoyed the popular “Self-Storage Q&A,” where attendees gathered to ask questions, share advice and potentially win prizes. This year’s open forum was hosted by a new dynamic duo: self-storage attorney Jeffrey Greenberger, who led the discussion despite having broken his leg and endured surgery the day before, and Stephanie Tharpe, senior vice president of operations for A+ Storage of Tennessee LLC.

The show continued on April 5 with more seminars and a full slate of roundtable discussions covering a wide range of topics, from roll-up door maintenance to live-chat platforms to facility security and much more. The final education component of the day was the well-attended Self-Storage Legal Q&A, also hosted by Greenberger.

The expo concluded on April 6 with four specialty workshops: Advanced Legal Workshop, Management Workshop, the Owner/Operator Executive Workshop and the returning Sales-Skills Workshop, which attracted more than 170 participants this year.

First-time attendee Darrell Nead, owner of Nead Self Storage in Fort Atkinson, Wis., enjoyed the education tracks as well as the Buyers & Sellers Meeting, where he had the chance to interact with other real estate investors. “I was impressed with how organized the show was. Everything was close, and there was a great selection of seminars,” he said.

 

Expanding Global Appeal

International participation in the ISS World Expo continues to grow every year. In 2018, the show welcomed more than 200 attendees from 28 countries outside the U.S. In addition to the general curriculum, they were invited to participate in a full-day International Program of seminars on April 4 and Sessions in Spanish on April 5. Experts from various regions of the world shared their insight on industry growth, development challenges, investment opportunities and more. They also participated in a special networking session that featured storage professionals from more than 10 countries.

Long-time attendee Robert Madsen, president of U-Lock Mini Storage Group, which operates six facilities in British Columbia, Canada, brought eight of his employees. The crew met onsite to discuss what they were learning and make plans for their individual locations. “The experience is very positive and it brings good momentum,” Madsen says. “They love being entrenched in all things self-storage. They get to share, talk and learn. It’s been a super eye-opener.”

Seeking Suppliers

The expo hall at this year’s event was once again sold out. Nearly 200 companies, including 23 first-time exhibitors, displayed their goods, answered questions and provided demonstrations of their products. An overflow room included 14 additional companies, and several industry associations and two charity organizations set up camp in the main hallway.

Many exhibitors changed up their booths this year to create dynamic and interactive destinations to attract attendees. Some opted for lounge-style open spaces, complete with comfy furniture and tables, while others featured full or smaller versions of their products.

On the Move Inc., a provider of truck-rental programs, parked a full-sized vehicle on the show floor and sponsored a caricature artist. Trachte Building Systems erected an actual self-storage structure including a typical unit, and partial roof and corridor. Janus International Group LLC expanded its booth to include a video wall and two giant “iPhone” screens demonstrating its SecurGuard Smart Entry System.

Attendees were also treated to plenty of swag. In addition to the usual bounty of bags, pens and candy, there were bottle openers, hats, T-shirts, beverage koozies, lanyards, flashlights and even branded adhesive bandages. There were also a few “special guests,” including a glamorous showgirl in the SelfStorageAuction.com booth. MiniCo Insurance Agency LLC welcomed an impersonator for the rock band Kiss.

One of Douglas’ favorite parts of the expo was interacting with suppliers and learning about new offerings. “The variety of vendors and booths was impressive,” she says. “Everyone was so helpful and knowledgeable about their products and services.” She was especially impressed by smartphone apps that opened unit doors. “My customers would love it!”

B.E. Webbe Self Storage recently completed the first phase in converting a former woodworking plant in Rotherham, England. The Mangham Road facility comprises 20,000 square feet in 105 units. The second phase of construction is expected to begin next April and will add another 20,000 square feet of storage space, according to a source.

B.E. Webbe acquired the property in December for £1 million and has invested £300,000 on the conversion. Phase one was built in what’s known as Unit One of the property and included demolition of some structures, a mezzanine-floor replacement, and the construction of a new office, reception area and storage space, the source reported. The facility also includes loading bays, restrooms and security-video cameras.

“There is a definite need for such a self-storage facility in the Rotherham area,” said Richard Blount, director. “We are catering for anybody who has anything to store, whether it’s personal and home effects, business or archive items. We are looking to open more self-storage facilities there in due course.”

B.E. Webbe operates six other self-storage facilities in England.

Sources:
East Midlands Business Link, Derby Self-Storage Company Invests £1.3M in Its Seventh Depot
Rotherham Business News: B E Webbe Opens Self Storage Depot in Rotherham

Update 4/16/18 – Triton Construction Ltd. has begun development work on Big Yellow’s 92,000-square-foot Castlefield self-storage facility. The £12 million project was originally proposed as six stories but will be five. Steel work is scheduled to begin this week, according to a source.

“Whilst this should be a relatively straightforward five-story build, we are having to take extra care and adjust our methods to adhere to the strict vibration monitoring that is being undertaken by Network Rail,” said Michael Parkinson, managing director at Triton. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure that there is limited ground movement, avoiding disturbance to the lines.”

Big Yellow has owned the Water Street site for 12 years but only recently received project approval from Manchester officials. “We had a requirement from the local authority to ensure that we built an exemplar building with high-quality public realm, and that the construction and finish was sensitive to the surroundings,” said Nigel Hartley, construction director at Big Yellow. “To do so, we needed a company with the experience and technical expertise to deliver despite the complexities, and Triton seem to be thriving on the challenge.”

Triton is based in West Yorkshire, England.

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9/18/17 – U.K. self-storage operator Big Yellow Group PLC is seeking approval to build a six-story facility in Castlefield, an inner-city conservation area in Manchester, England. The Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee will review the proposal for the 1.6-acre parcel on the corner of New Elm Road and Water Street on Thursday. The site currently houses the construction compound for Ordsall Chord, an £85M railway project.

The facility will be designed by Mountford Pigott LLP, with Quod Planning serving as the development consultant. If the project is approved, Big Yellow will also create a public realm at the intersection, the source stated.

A report prepared by the city staff recommends the committee approve the application. It stated, "The proposal would provide a high-quality, self-storage facility. It would create new employment opportunities, support the strategic objectives of Castlefield, and contribute to Manchester city center's ongoing regeneration and economic growth."          

Big Yellow reported last May that it was having trouble finding available commercial real estate on which to develop new facilities due to housing development in London and Southeast England. The company was concerned it wouldn’t be able to expand and meet demand as its current Greater London properties lease up.

A 25,000-square-foot expansion of a Big Yellow property in Wandsworth, England, is underway. The operator also began construction in December on a 55,000-square-foot facility in Guildford, England. Both sites are expected to open in 2018. Information about the projects was released as part of the company’s interim financial results for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2016.

Big Yellow Group operates 89 self-storage locations in the United Kingdom under the Big Yellow Self Storage and Armadillo Self Storage brand names, with most concentrated in Greater London. Its total portfolio comprises 5.3 million square feet.

Sources:
Insider Media, Castlefield Self-Storage Facility Set for Go-Ahead
Bdaily, Builders Working on £12M Storage Facility at Manchester’s Historic Rocket site
BQ Live, £12M Development Underway on Castlefields Railway Site