[[{“value”:”
**Adaptive Reuse: Not Just for Office or Residential**
A recent report from StorageCafe, titled *Out With the Old, Enter Self Storage*, reveals that adaptive reuse in the self-storage sector is on the rise, with repurposed facilities now comprising approximately 10% of the nation’s total self-storage inventory. Since 2020, annual deliveries have averaged more than 64 million square feet, and over the past decade, adaptive reuse has accounted for more than half of all conversion projects—amounting to roughly 108 million square feet.
“Owners are increasingly embracing conversion projects—repurposing existing buildings to expand inventory in markets where zoning hurdles and limited land make new development difficult,” the report noted.
Mirela Mohan, senior editor and co-author of the Adaptive Reuse Report, explained that the surge in reuse projects reflects growing demand. “Self-storage has become a well-established service growing alongside the residential sector,” she said in a statement to Connect CRE.
### Defining Conversions
According to Mohan, self-storage conversions involve adapting existing buildings to support the needs of a storage facility. This typically includes modifying both interiors and exteriors to install storage units, HVAC systems, and other essential amenities. On average, the process takes about one year to complete.
The most commonly repurposed building types include retail spaces, offices, and industrial properties. Other facilities such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, car dealerships, and even schools have also been adapted.
Mohan emphasized the importance of evaluating a building’s structural integrity, especially for multi-story sites. “The upper floors must be able to support the weight of storage buildouts,” she said. Ceiling heights of at least 10 feet are also recommended to accommodate key infrastructure such as lighting and HVAC. “This is where a structural engineer becomes essential,” Mohan added.
### High-Volume Markets
The report identifies urban markets with strong adoption of adaptive reuse for self-storage, including Chicago, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Philadelphia, and St. Paul. Additionally, conversion activity is particularly pronounced in Sun Belt cities like Irving, TX; Los Angeles, CA; and Fairfield, AL. Other high-growth areas include Cranston, RI and Buffalo, NY.
Limited land availability, combined with rising demand and a supply of underutilized or historic structures, has propelled the trend in these regions. “Developers are turning to older buildings from the cities’ industrial past to meet current storage needs,” Mohan noted.
### Considerations for Developers
While adaptive reuse projects offer numerous advantages, developers must navigate several complex challenges:
– **Zoning regulations**: These can be a major roadblock. “Some areas simply aren’t zoned for self-storage, which can halt a project entirely,” Mohan warned.
– **Building condition**: Older structures often require more extensive renovations. “The older the structure, the more complex and costly the rehabilitation can be,” she said. This might involve roof repairs, partial demolition, or full HVAC overhauls.
– **Design and layout**: Developers need to decide on the most efficient layout—whether a single-story or multi-story setup is appropriate. Single-story layouts often allow for easier drive-up access.
Mohan also stressed the importance of assessing local demand, reviewing zoning regulations, and evaluating the condition of a building before initiating a conversion.
Despite these hurdles, the benefits of adaptive reuse in the self-storage industry are noteworthy. Projects can breathe new life into vacant spaces, create jobs, and help prevent urban blight—all while preserving the architectural character of older buildings.
“Self-storage conversions are an effective way to meet local demand while catalyzing neighborhood reinvestment,” Mohan said. “Converted facilities can also come online more quickly than new developments, enabling operators to serve their communities sooner and more efficiently.”
“}]]
