Across the United States, thousands of self-storage units have been left partially empty as facilities close, consolidate, or become obsolete.
Most people see rows of forgotten garages.
Imagine seeing the foundation for something entirely different.
Instead of sitting locked behind chain-link fences, these storage units could become affordable workshops for woodworkers, mechanics, artists, metal fabricators, furniture makers, bicycle repair shops, ceramic studios, and dozens of other local businesses.
The buildings already exist.
The roads already exist.
The utilities are already in place.
Rather than demolishing them, entire workshop villages could grow around the existing infrastructure—creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and giving forgotten places a second life.
Sometimes the best investment isn't building something new.
It's recognizing the potential of what we've already built.