The Tautenhahn family has stepped away from the self-storage industry after 27 years, following the sale of a portfolio of six Amazing Spaces Storage Centers in Houston to SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc. in June. Kathy Tautenhahn, who cofounded the company with her late husband, Scott, in 1998, built Amazing Spaces after recognizing a need for upscale self-storage in the area, according to sources.
While searching for storage options during a relocation, the Tautenhahns decided many Houston facilities were poorly managed, neglected and unclean. Instead, they stored their belongings with relatives. This experience sparked a vision of secure facilities with climate-controlled units. Two years later, the couple opened their first location, according to the company website.
“We decided to look into the industry and see if we could improve upon what had already been done,” Kathy Tautenhahn said in a YouTube video interview detailing the origins of the company. “We wanted to have a property that had our customer in mind.”
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Amazing Spaces became known for its innovative architectural designs, which challenged conventional ideas about what a self-storage facility could look like. The interior of one building drew comparisons to a ski lodge. Features included high, covered driveways, lots that are accessible by 18-wheelers, windows in all doors so customers could see into hallways before entering, and extensive glass throughout their multi-story buildings. The Tautenhahns said they tried to consider everything that would make customers feel secure.
Inside Self-Storage featured the company’s 10-story facility at 3130 Southwest Freeway in River Oaks, Texas, in its 2024 Facility-Design Showcase. It was among the properties in the summer 2025 transaction, which also included:
2412 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston
32620 FM2978, Magnolia
18250 Interstate 45 S., Shenandoah
21836 Holzwarth Road, Spring
9040 Louetta Road, Spring
“For 27 years, it has been my great joy and privilege to serve you through Amazing Spaces Storage Centers. As my family and I move into a new chapter of our lives, we have decided to pivot out of this business,” Kathy Tautenhahn shared in a letter on the company’s website. “SmartStop shares our commitment to delivering exceptional service and upholding the highest standards. I have full confidence that they will care for our clients and our communities with the same integrity and excellence that defined our journey.”
Founded in 1998, Spring, Texas-based Amazing Spaces offered climate-controlled, vehicle and wine storage.
Related:Uplift Development Group Acquires 18-Facility Self-Storage Portfolio in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains
SmartStop owns or manages 253 self-storage facilities in 24 states, comprising 20 million rentable square feet. The company and its affiliates also own or manage 49 storage properties in Canada totaling 4.2 million rentable square feet. It was added to the Russell 3000 Index in June and launched its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in April.
Sources:Amazing Spaces, A Message From Our Founder – A New Chapter & New BeginningsCommunity Impact, Amazing Spaces Storage Center Founder Announces New Ownership, Company NameYouTube, Amazing Spaces Storage Centers
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