Conversions can be a great place to start with a climate-controlled self-storage project. You may even find an easier approval process from your municipality because you are making use of a deserted building and the roll-up doors inside will not be seen from the street. You might even be able to use a mezzanine system to get a second floor of rentable units if the ceiling space is high enough. I'm a site planner with some experience drawing plans to convert deserted "Big Box" retail buildings. Contact me for a sample of my work.

Steve Smith
SteveSmith@ByteOne.com