Kutztown Self Storage celebrated its grand opening May 10, becoming the first self-storage facility to open in the borough of Kutztown, Pa. Owners Dale and Louann Reppert decided to enter the storage industry after health issues forced Dale to retire from his executive career at Morgan Stanley and the couple needed a place to store their daughters belongings when she moved away from home.

To build their self-storage project, the Repperts converted a building that once belonged to the national guard. The facility offers climate-controlled, interior storage, secure access, and security cameras.

I think its a great idea for Kutztown, especially for the college students, said Mayor Sandy Green. This is a great opportunity, and its a great use of this building.

Its nothing but a win-win for everybody. This is a niche that has needed to be filled for some time, said Tammy Gore, executive director of the Northeast Berks Chamber of Commerce. We have all these students with furniture and stereos and books, and instead of carrying them home every year, they can store them here. Its a need that hasnt been met in this community so I think its great.

Local contractor ONeil Enterprises oversaw the building conversion.

We found a purpose for an old building, Dale Reppert said. We cleaned it up and we made an old building new again, and by doing so, weve provided a good service to the community.

Sources: