SELF-STORAGE SPACE
WHO IS STRATUS?
Stratus is a multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm delivering innovative, full-service solutions to both public and private sector clients. With deep technical expertise and a unified, collaborative culture, we partner with clients to solve complex challenges, connect communities, and shape environments that are resilient, functional, and inspiring. Our team is driven by a commitment to sustainability, seamlessly integrating environmentally responsible strategies throughout every stage of the project lifecycle.
Stratus brings together a deep bench of professionals, creative thinkers, and trusted advisors. This collective strength enables us to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end services across multiple sectors. Whether leading a major infrastructure initiative or executing a targeted renovation, we approach every project with precision, insight, and purpose—designing solutions that last and make a meaningful impact.
Services
Architecture
Building Envelope
Civil Engineering
Commissioning
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Fire Protection
Geomatics
Interiors
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
M/E/P
Planning
Process Engineering
Structural Engineering
SELF-STORAGE
Stratus has extensive experience providing Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering services for self-storage facilities, with more than one million square feet of storage space designed over the past decade. Our portfolio includes a wide range of facility types, from small unconditioned storage buildings requiring only exterior and site lighting to large, multi-story conditioned facilities exceeding 100,000 square feet that include offices, restrooms, and vertical transportation elements.
We support both new construction and adaptive reuse projects, including the conversion of existing commercial buildings into climate-controlled selfstorage facilities. Our work includes single-building developments as well as multi-building campuses that offer a mix of conditioned and unconditioned units, associated office areas, and coordinated site lighting. For national operators, we regularly design to established corporate standards to ensure consistent performance and operational quality across multiple locations.
Beyond our MEP expertise, Stratus provides a comprehensive suite of inhouse design and engineering services. Our multidisciplinary capabilities include architecture, landscape architecture, environtmental engineering, site and civil engineering, structural engineering, technology and low-voltage coordination, and permitting and plan review support. This integrated model gives clients a single coordinated partner who helps streamline communication, reduce project risk, and improve efficiency from concept through construction.
We collaborate with leading self-storage developers and have delivered facilities for both national brands and local independent owners. Our technical capabilities include HVAC systems for climate-controlled storage, electrical power distribution, energy-efficient lighting and controls, plumbing systems for tenant and support spaces, and fire alarm drawings for sprinkler and elevator monitoring where required.
FULL-SERVICE DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITIES
1. Due Diligence & Pre-development
We provide comprehensive pre-development evaluations that allow our clients to make confident decisions on new sites, conversions, and remodels. Our approach identifies potential constraints early and helps streamline the path from concept to construction.
Greenfield/Brownfield Development
Concept Site Plans and Test Fits to validate program requirements, parking ratios, and site yield
Site Investigation Reports covering zoning, utilities, drainage, topo, and adjacent property impacts
Pre-Application Meetings with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to confirm permitting pathways and key submittal requirements
Concept Grading Plans and Cut/Fill Analysis for early site balance and cost modeling
Remodels/Re-Branding/Conversions
Feasibility Studies evaluating building shell suitability, condition, ceiling heights, and HVAC/electrical capacity
3D Walkthroughs and Laser Scanning to As-Builts for accurate base models of existing structures
Test Fits and Floorplans tailored to your branding and operational requirements in a non-prototypical space
Evaluation of existing MEP infrastructure for equipment loads, ventilation, and acoustics
Environmental
Phase I/Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for acquisition or lease requirements
Environmental permitting, remediation, and reporting
Coordination of ACM surveys
Surveying
ALTA/NSPS Land Title and topographic surveys for both new development and conversions
Boundary and utility mapping for due diligence and permitting
In-house survey capabilities available in select states, with coordination nationally
Geotechnical
Coordination and management of geotechnical investigations, including borings, sampling, and laboratory testing
Review and interpretation of geotechnical findings for site design, foundations, and structural considerations
2. Entitlements
When required, our team manages the entitlement process from start to finish, ensuring that new facilities and redevelopments meet all zoning, land-use, and community requirements.
Representation at Planning, Zoning, and Council Meetings
Rezoning, Conditional Use, and Variance Applications, signage, and parking requirements
Coordination with review boards and design committees
Community engagement and public meeting representation when required
Concept Renderings, Presentation Graphics, and Virtual Site Visualizations to support approvals
3. Construction Documents
We offer fully integrated, multi-discipline design services, ensuring coordination, consistency, and brand integrity across all locations, whether it be a bespoke building or prototype adaptation.
Civil Engineering – Site layout, utilities, grading, drainage, and parking design
Architecture – Full building design, brand standards integration, and code compliance
Fuel System Engineering - Site specific or prototype adaptations. UST, AST, & unconventional fuels
MEP Engineering – HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems designed for client specific needs
Structural Engineering – Foundation and framing systems, loads, rooftop units, and mezzanine areas
Interiors – Store graphics and branding. Prototype adaptations or bespoke interiors design.
When required, our team manages the entitlement process from start to finish, ensuring that new facilities and redevelopments meet all zoning, land-use, and community requirements.
4. Permitting
Our permitting team coordinates directly with local jurisdictions to ensure a smooth and efficient approval process. We manage submittals, respond to comments, and track progress through final permit issuance.
Preparation and submission of complete permit application packages
Coordination with municipal departments, fire marshals, and utility providers
Response to plan review comments and revisions through approval
Expedited permitting and concurrent review management when available
Tracking of permit timelines, fees, and conditions of approval
Coordination of special inspections and occupancy clearances
National experience navigating diverse AHJ requirements across multiple states
5. Construction Administration
We remain actively engaged throughout construction to maintain design intent, quality, and cost control.
Review and response to Requests for Information (RFIs)
Submittal and Shop Drawing Review for conformance with approved design
Issuance of Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASIs) as needed
Attendance and documentation of Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) Meetings
Site visits for quality observation, punch lists, and project closeout
6. Project Management
Our project management philosophy emphasizes communication, accountability, and consistency across every project within a large rollout or individual site.
Programmatic approach tailored for multi-location development
Single point of contact for all phases from concept to certificate of occupancy
Real-time progress tracking through cloud-based project management tools
Coordination with ownership, real estate, and construction teams
Our project management philosophy emphasizes communication, accountability, and consistency across every project within a large rollout or individual site.
SAFE HARBOR
Cypress, TX
Stratus delivered civil engineering services for a 10-acre boat and RV storage development in Cypress, Texas, creating a highly functional layout that enhances customer convenience and site performance. The facility includes an office building, ten storage structures, a covered outdoor storage area, and two engineered detention ponds. Stratus designed the site to support smooth circulation and effortless maneuvering, including large turning paths tailored to RVs and boat trailers. Our team led the site design, completed a comprehensive drainage analysis, and managed all permitting with local authorities. Working closely with Harris County and the Harris County Flood Control District, we developed the drainage strategy and designed detention ponds that effectively mitigate stormwater impacts. The result is a well-planned, accessible, and compliant facility that maximizes usability for both the client and their customers.
NORTHPOINTE STORAGE
Cypress, TX
Stratus provided civil engineering services for the expansion of an existing storage facility in Cypress, Texas, adding six new storage buildings to enhance the site’s capacity and functionality. Our team delivered site design, grading, and a detailed drainage analysis tailored to the constraints of the active property. The layout was planned to maintain smooth circulation throughout the facility while integrating the new structures seamlessly into the existing framework. Stratus coordinated all required permitting and worked closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with current stormwater and development standards. By thoughtfully integrating new buildings into the established site, we helped the client maximize available land, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the overall user experience.
PUBLIC STORAGE FACILITY
North Carolina and Florida
Stratus has partnered with Public Storage on seven facilities across North Carolina and Florida, delivering flexible and high-quality MEP solutions that support the brand’s growing portfolio. Our experience spans a full range of facility types, from single-story unconditioned buildings where we designed exterior lighting, to multi-story, climate-controlled sites requiring complete Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems. We have also supported multi-building complexes with coordinated site lighting that enhances safety, visibility, and customer experience.
Across all locations, Stratus designed HVAC systems to maintain consistent climate-controlled environments, developed efficient electrical power and lighting strategies, and engineered plumbing for both customer and administrative spaces. Where required, we provided fire alarm drawings specifically for sprinkler and elevator monitoring. These projects highlight Stratus as a reliable engineering partner that delivers consistent, code-compliant solutions for national storage operators.
EXTRA-SPACE STORAGE
Floridia, Georgia, and North Carolina
Stratus has delivered Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering services for seven Extra Space Storage facilities across North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, supporting the company’s continued growth in the Southeast. Each location follows a consistent program that includes multi-story storage buildings with a mix of conditioned and unconditioned units, a public restroom, and an on-site elevator. Stratus designs HVAC systems to maintain stable temperature and humidity levels for climate-controlled storage, along with coordinated electrical power distribution and energy-efficient lighting throughout each building. Plumbing systems are engineered to support both tenant and staff functions. For all projects, Stratus provides fire alarm drawings for sprinkler and elevator monitoring to meet local code requirements. By applying Extra Space Storage’s corporate design standards and specifications, our team delivers efficient, code-compliant engineering solutions that maintain consistency across multiple sites while adapting to the unique conditions of each location.
ONE NORTH STORAGE
St. Augustine, FL
Stratus provided Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering services for a multi-building mixed-use storage complex in St. Augustine, Florida. The development includes approximately 20,000 square feet of climate-controlled storage, 12,000 square feet of retail space that includes the leasing office, and 7,500 square feet of warehouse and office space. Since the initial design, the project has expanded to increase the size of Buildings 1 and 3 and to add a fourth building to the site, all of which are reflected in the current built conditions.
Stratus designed MEP systems for each structure within the complex, including tenant upfits that allow future retail occupants to adapt spaces to their operational needs. HVAC, electrical distribution, efficient lighting, and plumbing systems were coordinated to support the varied requirements of storage, retail, warehouse, and office uses. Fire alarm drawings were provided specifically for sprinkler monitoring where required by local codes
This project demonstrates Stratus’ ability to deliver coordinated, code-compliant engineering solutions for complex, evolving storage developments with diverse tenant and functional needs.
YOUNGSVILLE STORAGE
Youngsville, NC
Stratus provided Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing design services for the primary self-storage facility at Youngsville Storage. The project includes a mix of modern climate-controlled units designed to protect temperature and humidity-sensitive items, along with large non-climate-controlled shop units intended for equipment, vehicle, and bulk storage.
Stratus designed the MEP systems that support reliable environmental control in the conditioned areas and efficient, durable performance throughout the non-conditioned spaces. System layouts were planned to enhance circulation, operational flexibility, and long-term maintainability while supporting the owner’s needs for a scalable storage solution. The completed facility serves both residential and commercial users and delivers a clean, accessible, and market-competitive storage environment.
