Transforming Retail Into Self-Storage
Strategic Investments in High-Demand Markets
Meet David Pelusio
Over 56 years, David Pelusio has built, acquired, and repositioned real estate across nearly every category from single-family homes and high-end apartments to shopping centers and mini-storage facilities. His work includes the development of more than a dozen shopping centers, over 70 commercial tenants housed, and thousands of storage units built, each grounded in economic fundamentals and executed with precision.
His approach is hands-on rather than passive: involved on-site, in the details, and throughout every phase of a deal. His current focus is converting underutilized big-box retail into climate-controlled self-storage in high-demand markets, assets structured to perform through both strong and challenging economic cycles.
A Legacy of Ventures
RLC One
Founded over 72 years ago as a linoleum and carpet business, this family-owned company has grown into a trusted provider of kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring, now led by David’s son and partnering with major suppliers statewide today.
This company is backed by decades of family leadership, delivering value through renovation, restoration, and development across residential and commercial various projects.
Rochester Craft Builders
Founded in 1952 by David’s father, specialized in interior and exterior renovations across Rochester, NY, serving both public and private sectors.
The company provided David with valuable construction experience, later leading him to invest in Cartel Kitchens, a Florida-based manufacturing facility that expanded into large-scale kitchen, bath, flooring, and addition projects for residential and commercial clients.
Mini-Storage Development
Brentwood Townhouses Development
At just 30 years old, David transformed a failing Tampa development into a thriving 147-townhouse residential community with a pool, clubhouse, and desirable amenities.
His ability to revitalize underperforming properties through strategic planning and hands-on management demonstrates his expertise in real estate. This proven track record reflects his commitment to creating successful, high-value developments and sustainable growth opportunities.
Residential Property Flipping & Rentals
Throughout his career, David has successfully flipped numerous properties, including multi-million-dollar homes and historic landmarks.
Notable projects include The Pitkin’s Mansion, the former residence of Rochester’s 4th Mayor, which he transformed into luxury apartments, and The Anthony Memorial, dedicated to Susan B. Anthony, which he restored and converted into functional commercial spaces while preserving its historical significance.
Commercial Property Leasing Operations
David’s experience extends into commercial property leasing, including retail stores, gas stations, and mini-marts. Through strategic management and leasing, he generated consistent income while diversifying his real estate portfolio across various sectors.
His ability to identify profitable opportunities and maximize cash flow demonstrates strong market expertise, providing investors with confidence in long-term stability, growth potential, and reliable returns.
Property Transformation & Renovation Projects
Proven experience includes managing high-value projects such as luxury homes, historic renovations, and multifamily properties, consistently delivering strong results.
With a keen eye for profitable opportunities and a hands-on approach to management, David transforms properties into desirable assets. His expertise ensures projects are executed with precision, maximizing value, quality, and long-term profitability for investors.
The Latest Project: Stor-It 2
A value-add acquisition in Greece, NY, involving an approximately 8.5-acre commercial property with existing tenants and multiple opportunities to increase income and long-term value.
The project includes plans to reposition underutilized retail space into approximately 423 climate-controlled self-storage units, totaling roughly 43,213 NRSF. Existing commercial tenants provide income during the transition, while expense reimbursements and a potential additional pad site create additional revenue opportunities.
The strategy is to combine in-place income with the upside of a modern self-storage conversion, followed by lease-up, potential rental rate growth, improved NOI, and appreciation as the property stabilizes.
Recent Projects
Stor-It 1: Self-Storage Conversion
Acquired in Henrietta, NY, the Jefferson Road property includes a 130,000-square-foot existing structure with former Sutherland Global Services and NAPA Auto Parts spaces.
The redevelopment plan converts 70,967 square feet of warehouse space into 731 climate-controlled mini-storage units. The project combines existing tenant revenue with strategic repositioning to enhance cash flow, increase property value, and maximize long-term asset potential.
Brightwaters Luxury Home Renovation
A complete transformation of 1222 Brightwaters Blvd NE in St. Petersburg, FL, this Spanish Mediterranean-inspired luxury residence features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,043 square feet of living space, and a 0.44-acre double lot in Snell Isle.
The renovation included custom finishes, resort-style amenities, upgraded systems, and a full interior and exterior repositioning to create a high-end residential asset.
Luxury Waterfront Transformation
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Podcast Features
Living Off Rentals
Turning Vacant Retail Buildings Into High Cash-Flow Self-Storage
With over 55 years of real estate experience, this interview explores the transition from residential, commercial, and industrial development into converting vacant retail spaces into climate-controlled self-storage facilities.
The discussion highlights market opportunities, acquisition strategies, and the process of transforming underutilized properties into high-performing assets with strong cash flow potential.
The Real Estate Espresso
Transforming Retail Into Self-Storage
This interview explores the strategy behind converting abandoned retail spaces and shopping centers into drive-through, climate-controlled self-storage facilities.
The discussion covers acquisition criteria, redevelopment strategies, zoning approaches, and maximizing value from underutilized commercial properties.By identifying overlooked opportunities, these projects transform vacant spaces into efficient, high-performing assets with significant growth potential.
Investor Fuel
The Good, Bad, & the Ugly of Self Storage
Listen on Spotify or Play on Apple Podcasts
What does it take to turn an empty retail building into a profitable self-storage asset? David breaks down the strategy, from identifying the right property and securing zoning to structuring the deal, raising capital, and planning the exit.
Using real deals and real numbers, the conversation explores how decisive action, disciplined buying, and multiple exit options can unlock value others overlook. David also shares how technology and virtual support are changing the way opportunities are found and executed.
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