Self-storage owner Phillip McDermott this week opened A-Plus Mini Storage in Rock Falls, Ill, just three months after purchasing the land to build the business. The facility at 1805 Industrial Park Road sits on 3 acres and currently offers 30 large storage units, according to the source.

McDermott, who’s operating the facility by himself, will assess potential expansion plans following the lease-up of current units. “I started with 30 storage units, but I do have space here to grow. I should have a pretty good idea after the first year,” said McDermott, who’s also the co-owner of Vapor City in Rock Falls. The store sells electronic cigarettes and accessories.

McDermott lives about 40 miles away in Freeport, Ill., and recently spent some time in Rock Falls. He determined the city to be a good fit for his business aspirations, the source reported. “I like the area a lot, and I saw a need for Vapor City and just decided to give it a shot. The city has been cooperative; it’s been a good place to do business,” he said.

The Rock Falls Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing earlier this week to discuss McDermott’s variance request for front, back and side building setbacks. The commission recommended approval, and the request will now be considered by the city council.

“If approved, the variance would allow the owner to better utilize the available land for his storage units,” Mark Searing, the city’s building inspector, told the source.

Sources: