Phoenix-based U-Haul International Inc., which operates more than 1,300 self-storage facilities across North America and frequently recycles existing structures for its new locations, has purchased two warehouses in Libertyville, Ill., with the intention to convert them to self-storage. The company acquired the former Chadwick's Surfaces International Inc. building at 14045 W. Rockland Road and the abutting property at 14121 W. Rockland Road, which housed Aurora Casket Co. The buildings comprise 48,280 square feet and 12,067 square feet, respectively, according to a press release.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Libertyville is currently operating from a temporary showroom, offering moving and packing supplies, towing equipment, and trailer and truck rentals. Plans are underway to convert the Chadwick warehouse to 300 indoor, climate-controlled self-storage units. The 5-acre site will also offer hitch installation, propane sales and other services, the release stated. The other warehouse will house more than 100 U-Box portable-storage containers.

“Our neighbors were worried these properties would remain dark and become eyesores,” said Heather Skelton, president of the U-Haul Co. of Northwest Chicago Suburbs. “Now we will be beautifying these sites and making them part of the community again.”

U-Haul recently acquired several properties it will convert to self-storage. It’s also working on current conversion projects and expanding two existing locations.

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.

Source:
PR Newswire, Adaptive Reuse: U-Haul Buys 2 Warehouses to Address Self-Storage Demand in Libertyville