BCPStor Development LLC has built an energy-efficient self-storage project at 950 Phenix Ave. in Cranston, R.I. Completed in July, the facility features insulated metal panels (IMPs) on two buildings and a rooftop solar-panel system on its three-story, climate-controlled structure. Branded and managed by self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT) CubeSmart, the site displays the REIT’s signature grey and red color scheme, presented in alternating color blocks.

“Lately, people are doing whatever they can to avoid having a big, plain-Jane, grey building,” said Ed McKean, owner of Burlington, N.C.-based EKM Construction Inc., which installed the IMPs. “Staggering the colors in a random pattern is one way of doing just that. That seems to be a new trend. It’s not hard, but you have to pay attention when you’re installing the panels.”

The property will operate on electricity produced by the solar-panel system, according to a press release from McElroy Metal, which supplied the IMPs. The climate-controlled building includes 59,000 square feet of 24-gauge, 4-inch IMPs, while the traditional, single-story building was fitted with 10,000 square feet of 2-inch IMPs.

McElroy also provided the red framing material, pre-formed trims and IMP accessories. Founded in 1963, the company is a family-owned components manufacturer. Headquartered in Bossier City, La., it has 13 manufacturing facilities nationwide.

Founded in 2015, BCPStor Development LLC specializes in office, retail and self-storage development. It’s headquartered in Providence, R.I.

CubeSmart is a publicly traded real estate investment trust and third-party management firm. It owns or manages 1,021 self-storage facilities across the United States. Its operating portfolio comprises 69.2 million square feet.