How Multi-Story Self Storage Buildings Can Help Maximize Your Land & Revenue

Multi-story self-storage buildings let you build up instead of out. They’re a smart way to increase storage space and boost revenue, especially in cities where land is expensive or hard to find.

If you’re learning how to start a self storage business or thinking about growing your current site, vertical self-storage could be the best option. This page breaks down what you need to know, from building costs to design tips, so you can decide if going multi-story makes sense for you.

A multi-story self-storage building lets you turn one acre into the revenue potential of two or even three. Instead of needing a massive lot, you can stack usable space and serve more renters in growing areas where land is limited or expensive.

Top reasons developers go vertical:

• Higher returns per square foot
• Ideal for urban, suburban, or infill locations
• Attractive to REITs and long-term investors
• Greater unit mix flexibility (climate control, upper-level discount units)
• Strong curb appeal with modern facades and signage options

MakoRabco has designed and built hundreds of vertical self-storage projects across the country. We understand how to optimize these structures for maximum profit and long-term durability.

Multi-story storage costs more upfront than a single-story layout, but the return can be much higher.
Here’s what to expect:

Note: Multi-story costs depend on elevator systems, fire safety, climate control, architectural design, and local code requirements.

For specs, recommendations, and sample layouts.

Multi-story storage isn’t always the right fit. But there are several situations where it’s a better play than traditional layouts:

• Your land is less than 2 acres
• Zoning restricts building footprint but allows height
• You’re near a city center or high-density area
• You want to stand out from local competitors
• You’re targeting climate-sensitive tenants (wine, electronics, business inventory)

Vertical self-storage can also help you win favor with cities who want attractive, well-designed buildings, not industrial eyesores. MakoRabco can help with that too.

Getting approval for a multi-story facility often takes more time than a single-level build. Cities may ask for extra landscaping, decorative facades, or parking adjustments. That’s where our Planning & Zoning team comes in.

We’ll help you:

• Prepare site layouts that meet local requirements
• Navigate height restrictions and egress codes
• Coordinate with city planners and architectural review boards
• Identify which finish options (stucco, CMU, tilt-up, etc.) work in your area

We’ve worked in all 50 states. If it can be permitted, we’ve likely done it.

A good-looking building isn’t enough. Your layout, unit sizes, and traffic flow need to be right if you want your investment to pay off.

We help with:

• Strategic unit mix (to match demand and maximize rental income)
• Elevator placement that reduces construction cost and increases usability
• Floor plans that minimize unnecessary structural steel
• Efficient layouts that reduce staff time and operational headaches

Our in-house team includes engineers, estimators, and drafters who specialize in self storage, not generic metal buildings. And we don’t just send you blueprints. We talk through them, adjust as needed, and build with your long-term goals in mind.

Multi-story storage is often rented by business owners, professionals, and families storing valuables. They expect more than padlocks and fences.

We recommend:

• Keyless smartlock systems like Passport Smartlock
• Wide hallways and ADA-compliant elevators
• Security cameras and lighting throughout
• Attractive exteriors that blend with the surrounding development

We also provide scope sheets that show what to plan for across systems like lighting, HVAC, smart tech, and more.

The self-storage market has grown consistently for the past two decades. But now, the smartest projects are going vertical. Infill locations, especially near apartment complexes and mixed-use developments, are driving demand for premium storage solutions.

According to recent industry data:

• Urban self storage facilities are reaching 90%+ occupancy faster than rural sites
• Multi-story buildings allow operators to offer a range of unit sizes, including smaller top-floor units that rent at lower prices while maximizing overall space
• Real estate investors and REITs are targeting multi-story builds for long-term holding value

MakoRabco is one of the few U.S. builders with deep experience in this space, and we’re ready to walk your project through every step.

We’ve helped hundreds of owners build upward in places like:

• Southern California, where land prices make single-story impossible
• Florida, where hurricane zones require elevated designs and drainage planning
• Texas, where growing cities are zoning out new storage builds, making vertical design a workaround

Whether you’re retrofitting an old retail space or starting fresh with raw land, MakoRabco can help.

If you’re exploring vertical self-storage, you’re already thinking ahead. Let’s make sure the next steps are smart, strategic, and profitable.

MakoRabco has built over 3,500 self storage facilities across the U.S. Our team can help you:

• Compare building types and scope sheets
• Understand construction costs and financing options
• Navigate permitting and engineering
• Design for maximum rentability

Reach out now to connect with one of our experts. No pressure. Just clear answers and real help, so you can move forward with confidence.