Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage locations across North America, is converting a former office building in Colorado Springs, Colo., to self-storage. U-Haul acquired the 201,515-square-foot structure at 6805 Corporate Drive on March 9, according to the source.

U-Haul Moving & Storage at Tiffany Square has a temporary showroom offering moving and packing supplies, trailer and truck rentals, towing equipment, and U-Box portable-storage containers. Renovations are underway to add more than 400 indoor climate-controlled storage units in varying sizes. Professional hitch installation and covered vehicle storage will be added later, the source stated.

U-Haul plans to hire 15 employees once the facility is fully operational, said Dave Hellmers, president of the U-Haul Co. of Southern Colorado. "This property had a bad reputation because it was always changing and nothing really stuck,” he added. “Utilizing this space will provide a much-needed product and service to this part of Colorado Springs while also helping the community with its goal to be more sustainable."

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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