Jun 18 2007
Steel and metal self-storage buildings have a reputation of not being the prettiest girl at the prom. However, in a new trend, self-storage facilities are seeking to become more neighborhood and environmentally friendly. And as usual, American Steel Buildings is ahead of the curve.
"More and more, it's becoming the trend for steel and metal buildings to fit into the neighborhood they're built in," said Dean Brown, president of American Steel Buildings. "It's something we've been talking to our customers about, and they've been taking our advice."
Thanks to the planning and zoning commissions in cities and towns, it's become more important than ever for new businesses to maintain the look of the neighborhood they're moving into. A number of cities have guidelines for potential builders to consider when they're thinking of building in a new neighborhood. Everything from height and scale compatibility and architecture to the pedestrian environment and landscaping needs to be taken into consideration.
"With this trend, you really need to impress the planning and zoning departments of your city," said Brown. "You need to show that you won't only blend in with the neighborhood, but that it'll stand out as an impressive facility. You'd be surprised at how much, in this case, fitting in can help you stand out."
Making sure steel and metal self-storage buildings will fit in with their neighborhood has more benefits aside from just being aesthetically pleasing. It will make the business truly a part of the community it's in, and it will keep buying interest strong.
"The visual aspect will enhance current business, but it also keeps up a strong, invisible 'for sale' interest," Brown said. "Many larger corporations are looking to add self-storage facilities to their own portfolios, and if yours is one that looks great and meshes seamlessly with the neighborhood, it could be you they're looking at."
Though blending metal and steel buildings with the surrounding neighborhood may seem difficult, it's not impossible.