HOUSTON—With baby boomers looking to downsize, storage facilities may be helpful in the interim period during a move or while belongings are transferred to family members and/or for sale. While there are some storage facilities in the Woodlands, these were deemed insufficient in scope to handle demand.

A 654-unit self-storage property on SH 242/College Park Drive marks the Howard Hughes Corporation's initial national venture in self-storage operations. A second 784-unit facility on FM 2978 in the Woodlands is under construction and will open to the public in April. CubeSmart will manage the facilities.

“Many residents in the Woodlands are looking to downsize. We also anticipate a large number of people moving into our community,” stated Jim Carman, vice president of commercial development for the Woodlands Development Company. “Our research indicated there weren't enough self-storage facilities within the Woodlands to accommodate that demand, particularly with the security level and quality product we intend to provide.”

Outside the Woodlands, there are facilities in Spring, Conroe and Magnolia, GlobeSt.com learns.

“The Howard Hughes Corporation did a three-mile radius study for market needs for selecting a self-storage facility,” Carman tells GlobeSt.com. “We found that customers want the facility to be easily accessible when needed. When we researched the facilities in the Woodlands and nearby areas, the majority of them were near their capacity on occupancy. Population demographics combined with a typical demand for self-storage indicated a shortage of supply in the area. We knew that we could deliver a superior product while keeping our required lease rates competitively positioned to those facilities.”

Security features within the fully fenced facility include a gated entry, video surveillance and individual entry alarms installed on each unit. Both new facilities in the Woodlands will offer usage of a free moving truck. Climate control and drive-up access units are available. Supplies for storage and moving will be sold in the leasing center.

As previously reported, self-storage facilities reported increased rent growth last year.

Outside the Woodlands, there are facilities in Spring, Conroe and Magnolia, GlobeSt.com learns.

As previously reported, self-storage facilities reported increased rent growth last year.

Instant Insights /

Easy Access Self-Storage Gets Boomer Boost

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