Design review board recommends approval of Phase 1 for Maggua–South Main storage project

The Green City Design Review Board recommended approval on Dec. 3 of Phase 1 of a proposed self-storage complex at the corner of Maggua and South Main. Architect Jim Persuto of 4 Points Architectural Services and owner Steve Rector presented the project to the board and answered questions about phasing, drainage, materials and screening.

Persuto told the board the initial construction phase would include five storage buildings and a total of "actually 232 storage units," with the first two buildings designed as conditioned spaces. He said Building 1 will include an on-site manager’s office and restrooms, and that the team plans to do grading, most of the parking and demolition of an existing drive-in restaurant and a rear storage building as part of Phase 1.

Persuto said underground stormwater detention will be used to avoid on-site ponding and the system will ultimately tie into the existing Main Street drainage. For emergency access, the design includes a widened drive to meet turning radii and a Knox/aux box at the entrance gate integrated with the access control system.

To screen adjacent single‑family residences, Persuto described a 6‑foot security fence along the north property line with additional evergreen and deciduous plantings outside the fence; he estimated about 365 feet of fence on the north side and about 190 feet on the other screened edge. He said the team will provide interior landscape islands, 20‑foot (or under) light poles in the parking areas and minimize visible mechanical equipment on primary facades.

On materials, Persuto said the primary facades will be largely masonry with metal siding above the garage doors and a wood‑look metal panel at the main entry for visual warmth. He noted the rear larger building intended for boat and RV storage will have 13‑by‑14‑foot doors and that all building heights will remain below the zoning district’s 22‑foot limit.

During deliberations a committee member made a motion for a favorable recommendation on Phase 1 and said the board could support — but not grant — a zoning variance; another member seconded the motion. The board conducted a roll call and members present voted in favor of the recommendation. The board’s approval covers only Phase 1; the applicant was told to submit the variance request to zoning staff and the Board of Zoning Appeals for formal review and decision.

The board did not stipulate additional conditions beyond standard staff review; the applicant indicated it will return to zoning and the appeals board as required. The project team said landscaping and access details will be further refined in subsequent submissions.