Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage facilities across North America and frequently recycles existing structures for its new locations, is converting three more properties to self-storage. The sites are in Arizona, Indianapolis and Utah.
In Mesa, Ariz., U-Haul is repurposing the former Main Street Plaza at 6215 E. Main St. Situated on 7.82 acres, the facility currently offers moving and packing supplies, and trailer and truck rentals. Renovations are underway to add more than 500 indoor, climate-controlled units to the 67,463-square-foot building. Once complete, the location will also offer U-Box portable-storage containers, hitch installation, and a U-Haul Re-Use Center for gently used household goods.
“This is a very exciting acquisition for us. East Mesa is saturated with U-Haul neighborhood dealers, but we have been looking for a way to complement their operations with a full-service U-Haul store,” said Andy Smith, president of the U-Haul Co. of Eastern Arizona.
The Plaza was once home to a Fry's grocery store, an antique mall and other tenants. U-Haul will share the complex with one of its dealers, M&S Sporting Goods.
U-Haul is also transforming a former Menards home-improvement center in Indianapolis. The company opened a temporary showroom at 6800 Pendleton Pike in December. It offers truck and trailer rentals, moving and packing supplies, towing equipment, and U-Box portable storage.
Once renovated, the 107,216-square-foot building will contain 1,000 storage units, some of which will be climate-controlled. Propane, hitch installation, vehicle storage and a U-Haul Re-Use Center will be added to the 9.57-acre property.
“This acquisition gives us the ability to serve the neighborhoods in Northeastern Indianapolis,” said Anthony Jones, president of the U-Haul Co. of Central Indiana. “The City of Indianapolis wants to see this building reused. It has been here for more than 30 years, and the community wants us here. We are excited to grow as a local staple that’s been in operation in Indianapolis since 1970.”
U-Haul is also renovating the former Sierra RV showroom in Sunset, Utah, near Hill Air Force Base. The company acquired the 21,980-square-foot facility at 1200 N. Main St. on Aug. 21. The facility offers truck and trailer rentals, moving and packing supplies, towing equipment, vehicle storage, and U-Box portable storage.
U-Haul plans to add 1,350 self-storage units to the 13.22-acre site. Once complete, the facility will also offer propane sales and hitch installation.
“We will have a full range of customers, from the men and women in uniform serving at Hill Air Force Base, to Weber State University students and residents of surrounding neighborhoods,” said Brad Ling, president of the U-Haul Co. of Utah. “This facility gives us the ability to meet the self-move and self-storage needs of Sunset more effectively.”
Established in 1945, U-Haul owns more than 44 million square feet of storage space. The company’s corporate sustainability initiatives, which support infill development to help local communities lower their carbon footprint, has led to dozens of conversion projects in recent years.
