Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,200 self-storage locations across North America, is converting a former Burlington Coat Factory in Brownsville, Texas, to self-storage. U-Haul Moving & Storage at 2400 Boca Chica Blvd. officially opened in February with a temporary showroom inside the 106,784-square-foot building. The site offers U-Box portable-storage containers, truck and trailer rentals, and other services, according to a company press release.

Extensive renovations will continue over the next two years. Nearly 1,500 interior and exterior self-storage units will be constructed on the 12-acre property. Once complete, the facility will offer 24 drive-up, outdoor units; 925 indoor, climate-controlled units; 478 indoor, non-climate-controlled units; and 42 vehicle-parking spaces, the release stated.

"It's long overdue for us to be a part of this community," said Mark Reinitz, president of the U-Haul Co. of Corpus Christi. "This will be a first-class storage facility serving a great town along the Mexican border where people need moving and self-storage services."

The building has been vacant for more than five years, Reinitz said. “Boca Chica has been one of the busiest streets in Brownsville for as long as I can remember. It's exciting for the community to have U-Haul renovate this large building, especially when so many people drive by every day."

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.

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