A newly opened self-storage business in Brockport is taking advantage of both the old and the new to bring modern convenience and security to customers while preserving an important piece of village history.
Brockport Storage is located in the historic freight depot at 149 Park Avenue. In addition to its original use as a railroad depot, the building also housed the warehouse of Stull Lumber Company for many years.
Owners Peter Feltner and Dave VerSteeg purchased the building a year ago and have spent the last twelve months restoring the building and adapting the interior to house 90 self-storage units (5’x14’) for rental.
The two grew up locally and own another self-storage facility on the westside.They say they were initially looking for land to build a new facility to expand their business.
Then one day, VerSteeg was inspired after driving by the freight depot.
“Dave called me and asked, ‘What do you think?’ ” Feltner remembers about the idea to purchase the depot, restore it and repurpose it into a new business.
The restoration/revitalization project included a new roof, new stairs, ramps, a rear loading dock and secure automatic doors with keypad access.
The job was a huge one, but both Feltner and VerSteeg say the process moved along smoothly thanks in part to the help of the former owner Bill Stull, the Brockport Planning Board and local contractors.
“Bill Stull was great to work with and so was the village,” both Feltner and Ver Steeg say. “It was a positive experience.”
The two explain that it was very important to them to keep the character of the original building intact, while at the same time bring the property back to life and transform it into a modern self-storage facility.
“We wanted the outside to go back to the way it was when it was new,” they say. Historic paint colors were used for the exterior and the original front windows and door were restored.
Inside, over 90 percent of the space has been converted to self-storage units. The building is fully insulated, dry, and access is obtained through a state-of-the-art keypad controlled entry. There is 24-hour video surveillance with eight cameras and moving items in for storage is accomplished by way of the loading dock at the rear of the building which includes an eight-foot wide garage door and a roof overhang. The building is also handicapped accessible.
At the front of the building are two offices – one which serves as the storage rental office and the other (15’x17’) which is available to rent. Feltner and VerSteeg say new water, sewer, utilities and cable were all part of the restoration project. Wainscoting on the interior office space walls and hardwood floors give the front area a warm, vintage feel.
The two say their business endeavor is more than just providing self-storage to the community – it is a way to honor the area’s history.
“The restoration, recycling, reuse and refurbishing facet was very important,” VerSteeg notes.
Feltner and VerSteeg say neighbors and passers-by have expressed their approval.
“They say it’s great, they love the building,” VerSteeg says.
Brockport Mayor Margaret Blackman is also happy with the results. “I’m very pleased with the attention to historic preservation that has been given to the exterior of the building,” she says. “It looks great.”
Brockport Storage is celebrating its grand opening through the end of 2014 with special deals for new customers.
VerSteeg and Feltner say additional information and photos of the depot’s transformation are available at www.brockportstorage.com.
