Self-storage development is booming across Kootenai County, fueled by rapid housing growth, changing neighborhood rules, and a population that owns more recreational equipment than most regions in the country. Local operators and developers report that facilities are filling up as fast as they are built, with customers even reserving units before construction is complete.
Steel Structures America has played a central role in this growth, completing large-scale projects such as Eagle Rock RV & Boat Storage in Post Falls, which offers 80,000 square feet of space and features 24/7 security and maneuverability designed with RVs and boats in mind. Security has become a top selling point, with many new complexes investing heavily in fencing, cameras, and on-site personnel to meet customer expectations.
The demand isn’t limited to Post Falls. Projects are underway or recently completed in Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, and Athol, with developments ranging from 21,000 to 70,000 square feet. Facilities like Hagadone Boat Storage in Post Falls and All Storage Northwest in Hayden reflect the trend toward larger, more advanced complexes. Many are adding amenities such as metered electricity and lighting, with premium units commanding rents between $300 and $500 per month.
Industry experts point out that covenants in new subdivisions — which often restrict parking of boats and RVs in driveways — are pushing more residents into offsite storage. Combined with the area’s active lifestyle, where jet skis, snowmobiles, and ATVs are common, North Idaho households simply need more storage space than those in many other metro areas.
Prices reflect the rising demand. According to SpareFoot data, Coeur d’Alene has become the most expensive market in Idaho for self-storage, with average monthly rental prices climbing from under $50 in 2011–2012 to over $100 by 2016–2017. At the same time, local occupancy remains near capacity, making Kootenai County one of the strongest storage markets in the Northwest.
Nationwide, the industry has also been growing, with annual construction spending climbing from less than $500 million in 2011 to more than $3 billion by 2017. Today, nearly 1 in 10 U.S. households rents a self-storage unit, contributing to an industry valued at $38 billion annually.
Read the full article here: North Idaho is Storage Toyland