Final Steel Beam Hoisted to the Roof of Ladera Ranch's Newest Multiuse Facility

LADERA RANCH, CA--(Marketwired - Nov 16, 2015) - An enormous construction crane groaned as it hoisted the final steel beam to the top of a $35 million solar-powered multiuse facility in Ladera Ranch, Calif., at what is called a "topping out" ceremony on Thursday.

Applause swept through the crowd of onlookers who gathered to celebrate the milestone event for the facility, which is expected to open by summer 2016. The 700 lb. beam is covered with signatures, including those from young athletes who will have a new team home at the complex's Ladera Sports Center.

"This facility will be the Staples Center for the training of young volleyball and basketball athletes. This is a place where athletes are going to train Monday through Friday to hone their athletic skills. In addition, on weekends we're going to have some of the most competitive basketball and volleyball tournaments in the country," said H. Michael Schwartz, CEO and chairman of SmartStop Asset Management, who designed, financed and is developing the facility. "Ladera Ranch is perfectly suited for those types of tournaments due to its proximity to San Diego, Los Angeles and, in addition, the beach."

The approximately 120,000-square-foot complex, located at 2 Terrace Road In Ladera Ranch, Calif., will include a 63,400-square-foot gymnasium -- which will be open to the public -- with eight full-sized basketball/volleyball courts, student study rooms, a 3,380-square-foot strength and conditioning space as well as gym offices. In addition, the facility will house a 42,000-square-foot storage facility with approximately 230 units operated by ExtraSpace Storage; a private fitness center; and more than 15,000+ square feet of office space for SmartStop Asset Management expanding headquarters.

Athletic leagues and clubs in South Orange County are especially excited about the sports center, which will allow teams to hold all practices, games and tournaments under one roof. Five different organizations already have signed long-term agreements to rent the facility, claiming almost 80 percent of the weekday capacity.

"I've been in basketball community in South Orange County for a while, and there is just no space for anyone to play basketball here," said Ladera Sports Center CEO Steve Williams, who will manage day-to-day activities at the center, including team planning and rentals. "Our goal was to try to build our own facility that incorporated the best of all worlds. So we looked around the country at all different kinds of facilities and put all the good into one facility. So the kids will have uninterrupted practices, be on the same court every day all year round. This sports center is going to be a great service to the community."

Organizations committed to using the facility include: Team Nikos Basketball Academy, Ladera Ranch National Junior Basketball, Little Rookies Youth Sports, San Clemente Volleyball Club, and Ladera Ranch Strength and Conditioning.

The new gymnasium will have air conditioning and noise decibel reduction systems, superior wood flooring to absorb high impacts and ceiling-mounted basketball hoops and volleyball nets. Live webcast-enabled cameras on each court will allow parents and sports team scouts to watch games or practices remotely or buy recorded DVDs. The gym also will offer a café with healthy food and snacks.

"The technology we are installing here is something you are not going to see in any youth sports facility anywhere else in California or maybe the entire country," Schwartz said. "If I'm traveling, I'm going to be able to watch my kid play ball whether I'm in D.C. or Russia, anywhere in the world, on my iPad or iPhone."

Located close to the 241 Toll Road and I-5 freeway near Crown Valley Parkway, the facility will have approximately 300 parking spaces under and around the building with active security cameras and a number of electrical vehicle charging stations. The gym area will be available for club team practices, youth and adult leagues and tournaments, youth camps and clinics as well as charity and community events.

SmartStop Asset Management is currently seeking sponsors for the Ladera Sports Center from national brands and local businesses. Opportunities include naming rights, court branding, gymnasium signage and online promotions. In addition, Ladera Sports Center is now accepting reservations for weekend tournaments and week day rentals. For more information, please call 714-202-6661 or e-mail sportscenter@antonpr.com.

About Ladera Sports Center
Ladera Sports Center is a multi-sport facility, founded in 2015, dedicated to providing top-class indoor programs and events. The goal of the Ladera Sports Center is to enhance experiences by partnering with customers to facilitate sporting events, programs and rentals. Ladera Sports Center enhances young athletes' and parents' experiences and promotes healthy lifestyles for both youth and adults. The state-of-the-art facility offers TV monitors so spectators can view live games from different angles, video recording during games and practices, and live webcasts that stream games across the Internet. Learn more at www.laderasportscenter.com.

About SmartStop Asset Management, LLC
SmartStop Asset Management, LLC is a diversified real estate company with a managed portfolio that currently includes approximately 30,000 self storage units and approximately 3.3 million rentable square feet. The company manages 49 self storage facilities located throughout the United States and Canada. SmartStop Asset Management is the sponsor of Strategic Storage Trust II, Inc. (SST II), a public non-traded REIT that focuses on stabilized self storage properties, and Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. (SSGT), a public non-traded REIT that focuses on the acquisition, development, redevelopment and lease-up of self storage properties. The facilities offer affordable and accessible storage units for residential and commercial customers. In addition, they offer secure interior and exterior storage units as well as outside storage areas for vehicles, RVs and boats. Additional information is available at www.smartstopassetmanagement.com.