ounded in 1771, San Gabriel Valley is considered one of the most diverse and culturally rich regions in Los Angeles County. The area’s layered history and artistic influence can still be seen throughout the area today, including at San Gabriel Self Storage.
The facility immediately stands out thanks to two large bay doors featuring custom metal murals by artist Jay Yan. From a distance, the massive portraits appear painted onto the building. Up close, visitors discover the artwork was created by puncturing thousands of holes into the metal doors, allowing both light and ventilation to pass through.
The art installation is only part of what makes the property distinctive. The facility spans 199,358 square feet across five above-grade levels and one basement level, offering 1,532 fully conditioned units. It also includes 9,508 square feet of dedicated art studio and gallery space, further tying the one-of-a-kind edifice to the surrounding creative community.
Constructed by ARCO/Murray, this facility uses light-gauge steel above a structural steel podium, the exterior incorporates a blend of CMU, brick veneer, glass, metal panels, and stucco, creating a modern architectural presence that stands out within this vibrant valley.
Jay Yan, the Chinese-born, American-raised artist, says his intent with the self-storage installation, with its portraits of local residents in a state of play, was to “reconfigure the architectural identity of the facility through a lens of biological whimsy,” mirroring chipmunks that store items in their cheeks. View more of Yan’s work at www.jay-yan.com.
