West Bank Storage

Building Beyond Boundaries: The Westbank Storage Transformation

Tulsa, OK

At first glance, building a storage facility might seem like a straightforward project. But the Westbank Storage facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was anything but ordinary. This 72,000 SF transformation turned a vacant bookstore into a state-of-the-art storage facility, complete with twists, turns, and challenges that kept us on our toes for 15 months.

THE MISSION
Our task? To take a 32,000 SF building and nearly double its size, transforming it into a $10 million storage facility. The design was ambitious and modern, from exterior metal wall panels and EIFS finishes to interior concrete floors and sleek metal panels. And with a loading dock featuring glass garage doors—a rare touch in storage facilities—it was clear this project was anything but typical.

On paper, it might have seemed simple. In reality, the journey was far more complex.

THE CHALLENGES
The project introduced us to a new framing system for 360 engineering, using bearing stud walls to minimize columns. It was an educational experience for everyone involved, but that was only the beginning.

Located in a floodplain, the site required meticulous planning to stay within boundaries—boundaries that the City of Tulsa was actively revising during our build. We had to stay flexible, awaiting final decisions that caused delays but were crucial to the project’s success.

Soil conditions were another challenge, demanding 220 piers, each 20 feet deep, with grade beams to stabilize the structure. And if that wasn’t enough, excavation uncovered buried construction debris from a previous contractor, adding yet another layer of complexity.

Zoning and regulatory hurdles also came into play, requiring us to navigate commercial heavy zoning, floodplain requirements, and the relocation of a main power distribution line—all while coordinating with an adjacent Starbucks project.

WEATHERING THE STORMS
Mother Nature tested our resolve during the Father’s Day storm 2023, with 100 mph winds creating a vortex that hammered the gutted building. But thanks to our team’s exceptional welding and construction, the building stood strong, with minimal damage—a true testament to the quality of our work.

ALL IN THE DETAILS
We aimed to elevate the typical storage facility design from the start, using materials like stucco, metal, glass, and ACM panels in creative ways to enhance curb appeal. We mixed colors and orientations to break up the building’s mass and added a striking glass entry to draw the eye.

The use of two different building systems—a structural system with studs and a light gauge, non—load—bearing system—added a unique complexity to the project, while smart features like a modern access control system and robust security setup made this facility as functional as it was visually appealing.

THE RESULT
Despite the challenges—from floodplain management and soil stabilization to zoning intricacies and extreme weather—our team delivered a complex, high-quality project that exceeded expectations. The Westbank Storage facility is a testament to our entire project team’s expertise, adaptability, and commitment to turning every challenge into a success story.