MakoRabco pitches convergent self-storage model

MakoRabco is promoting a new framework for planning self-storage with flex space, contractor space, vehicle parking and other adjacent uses as one coordinated property strategy. The company will discuss the idea at the Self Storage Association’s fall conference in Las Vegas on Sept. 10.

Why it matters: - Convergent Storage Development could change how developers evaluate self-storage sites by treating storage, parking and flex uses as connected revenue drivers rather than separate assets. - The framework is aimed at markets where land is tight and customers want multiple services in one location. - The approach may influence how owners, lenders, architects and builders think about future storage projects.

What happened: - MakoRabco is highlighting Convergent Storage Development as an emerging framework in the self-storage industry. - The concept was featured in the June 2026 issue of Messenger, published by Modern Storage Media. - The article, “Convergent Storage Development: Designing the Next Era of Storage,” was written by Swingler. - The discussion will continue at the Self Storage Association’s 2026 Fall Conference and Trade Show, set for Sept. 8-11 at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. - Swingler and James Reid will present “Convergent Storage Development: Designing the Next Era of Self Storage” on Sept. 10. - Swingler will also lead “The Future of Self Storage: Designing Multi-Use Storage Environments” on Sept. 9.

The details: - The framework looks at self-storage, flex space, contractor space, boat and RV storage, commercial storage, vehicle parking and other complementary uses as one coordinated environment. - The model argues that developers may miss demand and underused land if they view a site only through the lens of conventional storage. - The article includes perspectives from James Reid of FlexSpace Nation, Bishesh Shrestha of Live Oak Bank, Brad Relford of TBS Companies, Patrick Andersen of Magellan Architecture and Lance Watkins of Tenant Inc. - Those contributors examine customer behavior, land constraints, access, site planning, financing, building systems and operational technology. - The framework reflects demand from contractors, entrepreneurs and e-commerce operators for combinations of office space, equipment storage and vehicle parking. - Recreational customers may need traditional storage along with boat, RV or trailer accommodations. - Under the convergent model, these uses are planned together around market demand, access, circulation, security, technology and operating requirements. - Swingler said self-storage can serve as the catalyst that makes adjacent uses more successful. - Swingler also said technology makes it easier to manage different asset types within one operation. - Swingler said a contractor may need flex space for an office, storage for equipment and parking for work vehicles.

Between the lines: - The framework is less a finished industry standard than a call to widen the planning lens around storage projects. - The push suggests self-storage operators may increasingly compete on site utility and convenience, not only on unit count. - The inclusion of lenders and technology providers signals that financing and operations could matter as much as design in whether the model works. - Swingler leads MakoRabco’s business development and strategic-growth initiatives and serves on the California Self Storage Association Board of Directors. - Her background includes self-storage construction, marketing leadership, political consulting, strategic partnerships and industry advocacy.

What's next: - Swingler said the article and conference discussions are intended to open the concept to further examination. - Developers, operators, lenders, architects, builders and technology providers will help determine where the approach makes sense, where it does not and how it may evolve. - Readers can access the feature through the June 2026 Messenger issue. - MakoRabco says it is a nationwide self-storage builder specializing in the design, engineering, supply and installation of metal building systems. - MakoRabco operates as part of TBS Companies and supports self-storage and related development projects across the United States.