By Bluebird Self Storage
Press Release: Bluebird Redevelops Oldest Self Storage Facility in Canada
(May 2025 – Victoria, British Columbia) Bluebird Self Storage acquired and renovated 826 Johnson Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1N3 which happens to be the oldest storage facility in North America and it is now open for business and ready to rent units to commercial businesses and residential tenants alike.
The facility is located at 826 Johnson Street which is in the heart of Victoria’s rapidly growing downtown core.
The building was built in 1901 and originally used to board horses with a freight elevator installed to get the horses to the upper floors. The building transitioned to a storage facility around 1920, potentially making it the oldest of its kind on the continent.
Bluebird Self Storage acquired the building through the ICM Bluebird Canadian Self Storage LP
which was previously owned by City Centre Storage Ltd. The acquisition of this building completed Bluebird's quest to create a coast-to-coast network of self-storage facilities under a singular brand.
Bluebird has since updated the Johnson Street Self Storage facility and completely revitalized its interior to feature modern amenities and aesthetics while maintaining its historical charm. The old wooden lockers were replaced with steel partitions and roll up doors. Modern safety and security features were added. An industry-leading website with contemporary e-commerce features such as online payments, reservations and rentals was introduced as well.
This centrally located property offers 240 modern storage units, now available for lease to both residential and business tenants.
Jason Koonin, Bluebird Self Storage CEO, has this to say about the project. “I can remember visiting this site for the first time. The location is incredible but the inside of the building was in rough shape. I thought I was going to fall through the floor when walking the halls. The place was dirty, poorly lit and the unit doors were made of wood. The vision our development team had to transform this site was pretty incredible. I am shocked at the before and after photos.”
Bluebird Self Storage now claims this facility as its flagship facility on Victoria Island, British Columbia and is proud of the transformation of this historic facility.
Architect: Kumlin Sullivan Architecture Studio Ltd.
General Contractor: CREATE. Construction Management Group
An Instagram Post about the Historical Building
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_N7Stev40H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Wikipedia
Partners on the Project
Coast Geotechnical worked on the foundation
RJC Structural Engineers
ICM https://www.icmassetmanagement.com/
About Bluebird Self Storage
Bluebird is the most progressive, fastest growing self-storage company in Canada.
Bluebird Self Storage is a coast-to-coast network of self-storage facilities under one owner and brand.
Bluebird is very active in storage development projects, acquisitions and third-party management. In contrast to the larger operators, Bluebird brings a tailored, boutique-like approach to managing your site. We are laser-focused on operations, revenue management and digital marketing.
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluebird-storage/
For more information or press inquiries, please contact: Denee Burns, Chief of Staff, at denee.burns@bluebirdstorage.ca
Frequently Asked Self Storage Questions
What size storage unit is right for me?
Finding the right storage unit depends on the number of possessions you plan on storing at our facility. The more items you have, the more space you’ll need. At every Bluebird facility, we offer units ranging from below 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 30’ or even larger, so you can find the right amount of storage space. To find the right unit size, explore our Storage Unit Size Guide or read this resource to see which unit fits your needs best.
Can I buy boxes and packing supplies at Bluebird?
Yes! If you’re about to move into a storage unit, our facility offers moving and storage supplies that help protect your belongings. Our supplies range from boxes, packing tape, mattress and furniture covers, and so much more!
How long can I rent a unit?
We don’t have any long-term agreements at Bluebird, so you can rent your unit for as little as a month or two or upwards of a year if you’d like! If circumstances change, we can always extend or shorten your storage stay with us.
How do I access my storage unit?
You, selected family, and any business associates can access your local facility by using our secure keypad entry using a personal security code. Individual units are protected by a lock that is only accessible by the customer. Only contacts you authorize will be able to access your unit.
Typical daily access hours are from 6AM - 11PM, so you can always access your stuff when you need it. Check with the location nearest you for more information about access hours.
Bluebird Self Storage
Bluebird Self Storage delivers premiere self storage services throughout Canada. Our staff of highly trained storage professionals will assist you in finding a solution that best meets your storage needs. Every aspect of your interaction with us, whether in person, via phone, or the internet, focuses on simplifying self storage. All of our facilities are designed for optimal security and safety, built to give you peace of mind.
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