What was once a thriving GMC car dealership could become the largest indoor self-storage facility in the San Joaquin Valley area of California, if U-Haul Internationals proposal is viewed favorably by city officials in Manteca, Calif. The project, which requires a conditional-use permit, was scheduled to be reviewed last night by the planning commission.
Under the plan, the former Manteca Auto Plaza would be converted to nearly 5,000 square feet of retail and office space, with more than 19,000 square feet devoted to self-storage in an area that once was used to service vehicles. An additional 1,300 square feet at the rear of the building would be used as a maintenance area for U-Haul vehicles, according to the source.
U-Haul sister company Amerco Real Estate Co. originally purchased the property last year to be used as a U-Haul Rental Center. The building is on the northeast quadrant of the 120 Bypass and Main Street.
In addition to converting interior space, U-Haul will also enhance the facade of the steel building and install a 10-foot-wide strip of landscaping along Main Street and 120 Bypass. Foliage in the strip and elsewhere in the parking lot will include shade trees, the source reported.
In an agenda packet posted on the Manteca city website, city staff recommended the planning commission pass the conditional-use permit.
U-Haul and Amerco Real Estate are subsidiaries of AMERCO, which also owns Oxford Life Insurance Co. and Repwest Insurance Co. Established in 1945, U-Haul has 36 million square feet of storage space at more than 1,000 owned and managed facilities throughout North America.
Sources:
- City of Manteca: Website
- Manteca Bulletin: Indoor Self Storage on Tap at Ex-Car Dealership
