Country Fair Self Storage

Country Fair Self Storage in Champaign, Illinois is an example of how the modern self-storage facility can be an asset to a community. Curb appeal is created in multiple ways: professional landscaping, multiple architectural finishes, an office with large windows, and a fully fenced and gated storage area.

This complex project features a wide variety of construction types made possible by not only Trachte but also through the use of a quality local general contractor. Trachte provided multiple building types, including traditional drive up, temperature controlled, and boat/RV. The office area was built by the local general contractor, and incorporated mansard roof panels manufactured by Trachte to tie the project together.

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2/8 The office interior feels more like an upscale hotel than a self-storage facility. Equipped with multiple monitors to highlight the site’s security, the comfortable space welcomes clients.

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4/8 The temperature controlled building attached to the office features a large bank of windows to showcase the doors, especially at night. This approach allows for a good balance of aesthetic appeal while highlighting the function of the building. The largest source of new business to most self-storage facilities is “drive-by,” so this is an important consideration during the planning phase.

5/8 The entry to the office houses an “INSOMNIAC” kiosk manufactured by OpenTech Alliance. The kiosk is intended to provide rental services when the office is closed, however the facility owner tells us that many customers prefer to use the kiosk rather than speak to the manager, particularly younger clients, and those that are behind in their rent. The kiosks can rent units, receive payment, and dispense locks.

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8/8 Behind the main office, wide single story buildings with a 1/4”:12 roof house both traditional drive up units as well as interior walk up units. While most developers would heat and cool these interior units, this developer left them as ambient temperature units. This lowers operational and construction expenses, and increases the amount of rentable space on the property compared to building multiple narrower buildings. He reports that despite the lack of drive up access, many clients prefer these units as they are perceived as cleaner and less dusty.