Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage locations across North America, is converting a former Kmart store to self-storage in Sioux City, Iowa. The company purchased the 45-year-old store at 5700 Gordon Drive in August. It plans to open a temporary showroom featuring moving and packing supplies, and truck and trailer rentals next month, according to the source.

The 105,000-square-foot building will be transformed into climate-controlled self-storage and a retail center. U-Haul will also construct two self-storage buildings on the northeast quadrant of the property. The full renovation is expected to be complete in spring 2019, the source reported.

Built in 1972, the store was one of the first national big-box retailers to open in the city. It closed last March. The property is on the east edge of the city, next to a Menards grocery store and near the intersection with U.S. Highways 20 and 75.

U-Haul has several conversion projects underway, including Kmart and JCPenny stores in several states.

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.

Sources: