Guardian Storage, which operates 22 self-storage facilities in Colorado and Pennsylvania, has expanded its presence with a multi-story building conversion in the Forest Hills suburb of Pittsburgh. The company invested $12.8 million in transforming the existing structure at 915 Brinton Road into 90,000 square feet of rentable space in more than 700 units. Guardian’s 17th location in the Pittsburgh market will officially open later this month, according to a press release.

The project included renovating a basement, two sublevel parking lots and nine floors. Security features include keypad access, individual unit alarms and property-wide video cameras.

“It’s a rewarding experience to take an existing building that was neglected for many years and turn it into something the community can once again embrace,” said Steven Cohen, president. “With every property, it’s our goal to make a positive impact in the community, and we feel like we not only accomplished this by offering a much-needed service to individuals, families and business professionals, but by also helping to revitalize a high-traffic area for the community.”

Pittsburgh-based Desmone Architects helped redesign the existing structure. Local firm Bridges Co. handled the construction.

Established in Pittsburgh in 1987, Guardian operates five self-storage facilities in Colorado and 17 in Pennsylvania. It also has a location in Bethel Park, Pa., scheduled to open this year, and a project scheduled for completion in Aurora, Colo., in 2019.