Building up instead of out enhanced Mini-Max’s visibility to the more than 130,000 cars that drive by each day. "It also helped solve the challenge of designing something that looked like offices," Gomez adds. The construction company, Houston-based American Steel Buildings Inc., cleverly mimicked the corporate appearance of nearby office buildings Look-alike rock panels are affixed onto massive walls of the modular steel frame buildings. Dark brown panels that resemble tinted glass are set between these rock panels to create the appearance of office windows.

"We decided t use poured concrete for the second and third floors to maintain 'noncombustible' building appearance," Gomez explains. "A sprinkler system with a head every 10 feet was added to complete the fire protection image we desired."

In addition to its sheer size, Mini-Max’s physical prominence is a result of several design considerations. The building’s front entrance was modified with the addition of four large concrete columns and an overhang to intensify the feeling of strength. The entrance and front parking lot are oversized to allow for easy access and reduce traffic congestion. "We wanted the public to feel conformable with maneuvering large, unfamiliar vehicles around the property," Gomez explains.

Keeping tabs on 1,540 spaces is achieved with a variety of security systems. Live and dummy cameras are positioned around the property. Tenants gain access to the site using a unique seven digit code and all vehicles exit on the opposite side of the building to simplify traffic flow. Sliding gates are closed to secure the property at night.

Infrared beams are located at the main entrance and other strategic locations. If someone or something trips the alarm, a full-time guard is notified and a recorded message broadcasts onto the premises warning the intruder that they are trespassing and the police will be notified.

"We have also purchased an older model white automobile and outfitted it with security markings and lights," Gomez adds." The mere presence of this car moving around the property has put suspects on notice that they are being watched."

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