WI Self Storage has opened for business in Appleton, Wis., inside a former paper mill. The large blue building at 1117 W. Washington St. takes up nearly a city block and was vacant for more than three years. The building was purchased last year for $1.9 million by owner Jim OMalley, a Milwaukee-based real estate developer, and local investor Lorne Tschanz.

The conversion project is ongoing, with the facilitys first 140 storage units available for rent. It will eventually have 640 units, with some large enough to store vehicles or boats. Customers can drive inside the climate-controlled building to unload their belongings at their unit.

Originally constructed in 1955, the 103,000-square-foot facility has been updated with an alarmed security system, electronic gate access and video cameras. Amenities include complimentary Internet access at the business counter, UPS and FedEx package-delivery acceptance, and a self-leveling loading dock area for larger deliveries.

The facility will host an indoor boat show next month.

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