SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Boosts Orlando Presence with Strategic Winter Garden Acquisition
SmartStop Self Storage REIT, a leading, internally managed real estate investment trust (REIT) and a prominent owner and operator of self-storage facilities across the United States and Canada, has announced a significant strategic acquisition that further solidifies its footprint in the rapidly expanding Central Florida market. The company has successfully acquired a modern self-storage facility located at 1650 Avalon Road in Winter Garden, Florida. This move represents SmartStop’s fifth facility in the dynamic Orlando metropolitan area, underscoring its commitment to scaling operations in key high-growth suburban locations.
Facility Details and Amenities
The newly acquired property is a substantial asset, comprising approximately 72,100 net rentable square feet of storage space. It is structured across seven one-story buildings, offering a total of approximately 515 individual storage units. The facility is designed to meet a wide range of customer needs by providing a balanced mix of storage solutions. These include premium, interior climate-controlled units—essential for protecting sensitive items in Florida’s warm and humid climate—and convenient, non-climate-controlled drive-up units, which offer easy access for moving and storing larger items. The diverse unit mix positions the facility to effectively serve both residential and commercial customers within the surrounding communities.
A Prime Location in a High-Growth Corridor
The strategic value of this acquisition is largely attributed to its prime location within the broader Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Winter Garden is situated approximately 15 miles west of downtown Orlando, placing the facility in a highly desirable and increasingly popular suburban market. The site benefits from exceptional visibility and accessibility, as it is located directly across the street from a major national supermarket, driving consistent consumer traffic. Traffic analysis confirms the property’s strong exposure, with an average of approximately 7,900 vehicles passing by daily.
Crucially, the facility is perfectly situated in an area characterized by robust demographic trends and accelerated growth. The surrounding three-mile radius boasts a strong median household income, indicating a desirable customer base with disposable income for storage services. Furthermore, the area is anticipating explosive population growth, with a projected increase of 8.4% over the next five years. This organic demographic expansion is set to be amplified by significant forthcoming residential development. A major planned residential project nearby is expected to introduce more than 42,000 new housing units upon its completion, generating a massive influx of potential customers who will require self-storage services during transition, relocation, and long-term residency.
Strengthening the Central Florida Network
This acquisition is more than just an isolated transaction; it is a critical step in strengthening SmartStop’s operational network across Central Florida. With this facility, SmartStop now owns and operates five strategic locations within the bustling Orlando market. The new Winter Garden location is specifically positioned to serve several thriving and expanding local communities, including Hamlin, Independence, Stoneybrook West, Latham Park, Summerlake, and Horizon West. By establishing a presence in this key corridor, SmartStop enhances its ability to capture demand from the region’s economic and residential expansion.
Alignment with SmartStop’s Growth Strategy
Wayne Johnson, President and Chief Investment Officer of SmartStop, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the deal. “Winter Garden is one of the fastest-growing suburban markets in central Florida, and this property checks every box for long-term value,” said Johnson. He emphasized the compelling combination of factors that make the acquisition an ideal fit for the company’s portfolio. “With strong demographics, high visibility, and significant ongoing residential expansion, this acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy as we continue to scale our footprint in the Orlando metro area.”
The acquisition of the Winter Garden facility underscores SmartStop’s disciplined approach to investment, focusing on acquiring institutional-quality assets in areas with superior growth projections, strong income fundamentals, and high barriers to entry for new competitors. By strategically targeting high-growth suburban MSAs like Orlando, SmartStop is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for flexible, high-quality self-storage solutions driven by ongoing population migration and residential development. This latest addition reinforces SmartStop’s position as a premier owner and operator in the North American self-storage industry.
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