Storage Central
Terry Campbell,
Posted
03/29/2011
Two years ago, a group of visionary businessmen decided to
create a storage facility that combined standard residential and
commercial self storage with boat and RV storage. Not that this
concept was unique and hadn't been done before, but these owners
decided it was time for a state-of-the-art, ultra-modern,
first-class version that would appeal to any person concerned with
preserving and protecting their valuable investments from weather
in a safe, secure and convenient location.
To that end, Storage Central opened in December 2010,
strategically located in a high-traffic area between the inner and
outer loops of Raleigh, N.C.
But like many new businesses, it had its share of roadblocks
getting the project from concept to fruition.
Protracted Development Process
The development process on the property began in fall 2008 and
the challenges were constant and steady, from the first site layout
and design right up to obtaining the final Certificate of
Occupancy.
The first setback came in spring 2009 when the owners were
denied a permit by the public utilities department to construct a
sewer dump station for their RV customers.
Then, in the late summer of the same year, all construction
approvals, with the exception of one mechanical trade, were
suddenly withdrawn by the city. Why? They decided to re-classify an
RV storage building as an "indoor parking garage," rather than a
storage building. This decision triggered several design changes,
including the costly additions of a sprinkler system and exhaust
ventilation systems for every individual RV unit. These changes
were in addition to many other necessary dictates, such as tree
conservation areas, landscaping, installing new water, sewer and
power lines, and building a bio-cell retention pond for best
management practices ensuring an environmentally compatible
site.
In spite of these unusual and sometimes aggravating and costly
delays, Storage Central now stands in the vanguard of first-rate
storage facilities.
What Makes an Exceptional Storage Facility
Phase One is 58,000 square feet with plans for a total of
150,000 square feet, when the project is built out. Materials used
were pre-painted, pre-engineered galvanized metal building
components with a brick veneer, brick and metal ornamental fencing,
and concrete and paved drives.
Boat and RV, as well as standard self-storage, offer a variety
of sizes and leasing options to suit most everyone. Retail supplies
are available onsite for both boat and RV storage, and standard
self-storage.
The well-lighted facility has all the necessary safety
equipment, including perimeter fencing, 24/7 digital recording
security cameras, a controlled entry gate and an on-site manager.
And attention to detail goes into every storage category.
Boat and RV Storage: Customers
have two choices here: Private, fully-enclosed storage units,
individually heated and cooled (or just heated), with individual
door alarms, sprinkler system and carbon monoxide sensors, which is
basically an exhaust ventilation system to remove any fumes from a
running motor.
Fully-enclosed units offer a variety of sizes to choose from:
800 square feet to 1,500 square feet, all with 15-foot
ceilings.
Semi-private units offer 15- by 50-foot bays, with 20-foot
ceilings, concrete floor, commercial grade coated chain-link fence
sides, solid backwall and roof, and a door with a security
latch.
Standard Storage: Offers storage for
residential and commercial customers alike with standard and
non-climate controlled units.
There are a variety of unit sizes available from 50 square feet
(5 by 10 feet), to 400 square feet
(20 by feet).
Boxes and packing supplies are available on site and commercial
deliveries are accepted.
Climate Controlled Storage:
Centrally-controlled air system offers a secure, dry and enclosed
environment. This is ideal for contents that require temperature or
humidity control.
As with standard storage, the same sizes are available for
residential and commercial customers, from 50 to 400 square
feet.
In spite of the challenges that faced Storage Central over the
first two years, the finished product is uncommon in concept,
quality and convenience. Storage customers in the Raleigh area can
now enjoy a superior, safe and state-of-the-art accommodation for
their valuables.
Terry Campbell is vice president of sales & marketing
for Statesville, N.C.-based BETCO, a single-source
manufacturer of self-storage buildings and components. Visit www.betcoinc.com for more
information.