A new Cornwall company in the heart of the city is tackling a problem that affects the entire country.
The Cornwall Storage Box, owned and operated by Ray Brunet and Gary Jans, is addressing the shortage of available storage facilities in the Seaway City – part of a trend towards offering more options for baby boomers and others who are downsizing their homes and accommodations.
“The demand is there and it is not only growing – its evolving,” said Jans. “We wanted to create a more urban experience that is different from the outdoor storage units you might see in remote locations.”
No kidding.
Cornwall Storage Box is the first storage service in our downtown. It offers well-lit indoor heated units with 24-hour keypad access in a secure environment. CCTV coverage is in place throughout the building, which also has a manager living onsite in a second-floor apartment. An online portal allows tenants to reserve a unit, make payments and manage their unit 24 hours a day.
“We have made the experience as simple and seamless as possible,” said Jans. “We are hoping to fill the needs of downtown residents and business owners, including medical and legal professionals looking for document storage.”
According to industry statistics, Canada lags behind its southern neighbour when it comes to available storage space, and that gap in supply and demand is fuelling a boom in the mini-storage industry.
There’s already talk of an expansion for the Cornwall Storage Box.
Phase 1 is complete and offers 20 indoor and climate controlled storage units that range in size from 5×5 to 5 x 15. Phases 2 is on the horizon, which will bring the total to more than 60 units.
In addition to the indoor storage there is currently one 8 x 20 outdoor storage container available and a second container will be added soon.
The building, which also houses Studio 101 Hair Salon, is being renovated with the assistance of the Heart of the City Community Improvement Plan.
Brunet and Jans are long-time business owners in Cornwall, having operated Ray-Jans Construction since the mid 1980s. In 2011, the duo opened Ray Jans Windows and Doors.
Cornwall Storage Box is located at 127 Augustus Street.
More info can be found online at cornwallstoragebox.com.
