For Virginia Varsity Self Storage, growth has never been about simply adding more units. It has been about creating smarter, more functional spaces that better serve customers and communities alike.
That mindset is what has fueled the company’s long-standing partnership with BETCO and Janus International across multiple developments in Virginia, including the transformation of the Cambria property, the expansion of Starkey Road, and the newest mixed-use project currently under construction at Hanging Rock.
Case in point is the recent completion of the Cambria project, a modest storage facility that opened in 2015 and has evolved into a showcase of innovation, customer-focused design, and operational growth.
“When we first acquired Cambria, it was a much smaller operation with limited unit sizes, no climate control, and a very small office,” explained John Lugar, President of Virginia Varsity Self Storage. “We saw the potential immediately because of the location and surrounding growth.”
After acquiring the property near Virginia Tech, the Virginia Varsity Self Storage team began a strategic transformation. Improvements included enhanced security, upgraded lighting, expanded unit offerings, improved signage, and a stronger overall customer experience. The company later acquired additional land across the street, rezoned the property, and developed a 45,000-square-foot bi-level expansion complete with a modern office and community room.
The results were significant.
Occupancy increased from the 60% range to more than 90%, while customer and community feedback became overwhelmingly positive. According to John, visibility, aesthetics, and usability all played a role in the property’s long-term success.
“We want to work with the best because we think we represent that, too, and that’s why we partner with BETCO. We feel like we’re synced up in a lot of ways.”
But the journey was not without challenges.
The Cambria expansion faced major site and soil complications that required geo-piers for stabilization, causing delays and forcing the team to adapt quickly. Additional coordination challenges between the office and storage building foundations highlighted the importance of integrated planning during complex projects.
That experience ultimately strengthened the working relationship between Virginia Varsity Self Storage, BETCO, and Janus.
“You want that comfort where you never have to say: ‘well, we saved a little bit of money, but I haven’t gotten a call back.’ We want to work with the best… not save a few bucks and not be sure how it’s going to turn out. ”
Those lessons learned are now shaping the company’s future developments.
At Hanging Rock, Virginia Varsity Self Storage is taking an even more innovative approach by incorporating mixed-use concepts, including office pods, event spaces, RV and boat storage, and flexible community-focused amenities inspired by the success of previous projects. With BETCO involved early in the process, the team is able to translate these ideas into buildable, high-performing spaces that support long-term growth.
The self-storage company is also continuing to refine customer-focused innovations like its proprietary “Space Sizer” concept, designed to help potential tenants better visualize their storage needs before renting a unit.
For Virginia Varsity Self Storage, modern self-storage is no longer just about square footage — it is about creating adaptable spaces that serve both operational and community needs.
And for BETCO, the partnership reflects something larger than construction alone: helping customers bring long-term visions to life through collaboration, responsiveness, and thoughtful design.
As Virginia Varsity Self Storage continues expanding across Virginia, one thing remains clear — the future of self-storage is evolving, and partnerships built on trust and innovation are helping lead the way.