Metro Storage

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

This new 53,600-square-foot, three-story storage facility features more than 550 individual units. Features of the location include 100% climate-controlled storage, drive-up access units, large interior drive-in loading/unloading bays with additional access points around the building, elevator access and a large, modern retail office.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

The perimeter of the facility was constructed with insulated composite tilt-up wall panels. In addition, two elevator and two stair cores were constructed of solid tilt-up panels. With these interior core elements being constructed with the tilt-up method, greater attention was required for casting placement and erection access.

For the storage spaces, a 125 psf light storage load was used for the design of the elevated floor. To minimize costs and keep the depth and height of the structure minimized, the design incorporates a thin 3.5-inch thick slab on deck on bar joist and beams, along with a tight grid aligned with the storage unit walls.

For architectural appeal, the exterior has extensive thin brick cast in the panels, as well as rustication. For the interior, concrete was left exposed to provide maximum durability to the storage facility. The office is a single-story attached appendage to the three-story structure. Numerous spandrel panels allow for expansive glass at the office and provide light into the storage area.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment?

While this facility is the tenth one for Metro Self Storage in New Jersey, it is the only self-storage facility to have been constructed in the market during the past 10 years. The project was completed in less than 8 months, bringing much needed new options for this community. This location, on a major north-south highway, provides excellent visibility and convenience for nearby beach communities. The facility delivers a fresh, modern storage solution to serve the numerous permanent and seasonal residents in the area.