10 Dec 2024
Join James Mclean as he chats with Alexandra Berk from EAPC Architects about navigating high-barrier markets for self-storage development. Learn how thoughtful design, mixed-use integration, and early planning with architects can help developers tackle zoning challenges and win approvals. Watch now!
James: Hi, this is James with Radius+. I'm here with Alexandra from EAPC Architects. So Alexandra, one thing that we see all the time is that developers always try to find high barrier to entry markets so they don't get blindsided with oversupply. Now, with that comes the problem of zoning and getting permitted. What have you seen from the architectural side to get these deals approved?
Alexandra: Well, first off, making the building pretty on the exterior. A lot of, it's no longer just a simple metal frame building. We need to have different architectural elements, whether that be stone, brick, stucco, metal paneling is really big. A lot of jurisdictions want it to look like an office building. They want it to look more commercial and not so warehouse, industrial. Also, we're seeing a lot more mixed use. So you'll see this building specifically that's in North Hollywood. On the front here, we have all studio spaces. So it's going to be like artist spaces and not storage. So it will be more tailored to the North Hollywood jurisdiction where it's located. So you're seeing a lot of mixed use that's tying into the local community. And that's honestly what's helping jurisdictions pallet the self-storage a little bit more.
James: 100%. Have you noticed that these high barrier to entry markets with really tough community boards are becoming more amenable to self-storage, especially when groups like yourself are willing to work with them to make sure it doesn't stick out like an eyesore in the community? What have you seen?
Alexandra: More amenable. I don't know if that's the word I would use. I think it's actually getting more difficult to get approval. We are having to jump through more hoops. We're having to design the building to a higher extent. It's getting more expensive based on what the cities are wanting. And I wouldn't say it's easier. We're jumping through more hoops.
James: Listen, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. When should a developer bring on an architect to start having these conversations so they're not stuck being delayed on their project? At what phase do you typically work with your clients to start getting this ball rolling on making sure that the approvals go through?
Alexandra: It’s much smoother and better for us if you bring us on from day one. Me personally, I deal a lot with planning and site planning. So it's important if you have a potential site, bring it to me and I can tell you the feasibility. If you can fit what you want, let me know and we can take a look at it.
James: Well, Alexandra, thank you so much for your time and thank you for everything you guys do for the industry.
Alexandra: Thanks, appreciate it.
