Eastland Storage in North Versailles, Pa., celebrated its grand opening on March 21. The self-storage facility, which was converted from an existing building at 836 East Pittsburgh-McKeesport Blvd., includes 99 storage units ranging in size from 25 to 150 square feet. Amenities include a kiosk and free use of the facility’s moving van for new customers.
The building once housed Michaels Associates, a company that distributes educational books. Owner Greg Michaels told the source he downsized the book business several years ago due to market changes, and consolidated the North Versailles location with one in Monroeville, Pa. After researching the industry, he decided to convert the building he’s owned since 2002 to self-storage. The property was home to a furniture business before Michaels purchased it.
Development began about a year ago after Michaels attended industry tradeshows and met with vendors, according to the source. He also consulted with township officials on the demographics of the area and determined self-storage would be a good fit for the existing structure. The building is considered a landmark due to its proximity to the now-empty Eastland Mall, Michaels said, and the demographic study revealed a large elderly population and an abundance of apartment residents in the area.
The conversion was financed through Clearview Federal Credit Union of Moon Township, Pa.
Sources:
- Trib Total Media: Business Week Ends on High Note in North Versailles Township
