NorthPoint Development, which launched the Beyond Self Storage brand and a multi-facility development initiative last year, is aiming to build a new self-storage facility as part of a mixed-use development in Sunset Hills, Mo. The 2.5-acre project, pitched by St. Louis-based commercial real estate firm Sansone Group, would also include two restaurants and a retail space, according to the source.

Sansone principal Jim Sansone has proposed demolishing the existing Econo Lodge to make way for the new structures. The city ordered the motel into receivership last year after several incidents of vice activity, including the discovery of a methamphetamine operation. Sansone Group is under contract to acquire the land at the intersection of E. Watson Road and Lindbergh Avenue, the source reported.

The three-story storage facility would be built behind a single structure comprising the restaurants and retail, facing Watson Road.

NorthPoint previously proposed a storage facility for the Sunset Office Park but has faced opposition to the project. Though it’s still pursuing that location, it has shifted its focus to join the Sansone development, according to the source.

"This makes great economic sense, but only if you have the retail and restaurant portion together on the site with the self-storage,” Sansone said during a June 14 open-house meeting with NorthPoint representatives and community members. “Otherwise, no one could afford to make this site work."

Sansone Group is evaluating the site for possible environmental hazards, including asbestos and dangerous chemicals that could be connected to the meth lab, the source reported.

The board of aldermen will discuss the project during a work session on June 27. The public will have its first opportunity to comment during a planning and zoning commission meeting on July 12. Northpoint is scheduled to present its preliminary plan during the meeting.

NorthPoint already has a Beyond Self Storage facility operating in Lenexa, Kan., with several projects underway in the Minneapolis and St. Louis markets.

Founded in 1957, Sansone Group specializes in brokerage, development and property management. Its developments include industrial, office, residential and retail projects.

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