U-Haul Eyes Former Manufacturing Site for Self-Storage Conversion in Northborough, MA

Phoenix-based self-storage operator U-Haul International Inc. has applied for variances and special permits to convert a former manufacturing plant in Northborough, Mass., into a self-storage and truck-rental facility. The former Peterson Spring plant at 40 Bearfoot Road contains more than 61,000 square feet and sits on 10 acres, according to the source. U-Haul would build a 2,497-square-foot warehouse at the rear of the property.

The variance requests are for the leasing of moving vehicles as well as the ability to offer retail sales and self-storage. The zoning board is scheduled to review the proposal on Sept. 29.

The property is owned by Campanelli CQ Northborough LLC, an entity controlled by Braintree, Mass.-based commercial real estate development firm Campanelli, according to the source. U-Haul currently has a truck-rental presence at two “neighborhood dealer” locations in Northborough, including a site operated by STOR/GARD Self Storage.

U-Haul believes the project is compatible with surrounding developments. It would be near a GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical facility. "The proximity to the Solomon Pond Road interchange of [Interstate] 290 would be advantageous to allow a U-Haul operation in this location instead of in a downtown commercial zone, which would cause traffic to go through residential areas," U-Haul officials said in the zoning-permit application.

Established in 1945, U-Haul International has more than 44 million square feet of storage space at more than 1,200 owned facilities throughout North America.

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