Business Makeover: U-Haul Jobs, Self-Storage Coming to Kenton at Former Kmart Site

Rhea-AI Summary

U-Haul announced plans to repurpose a former Kmart site in Kenton, Ohio, into a U-Haul Moving & Storage facility. Purchased on Feb. 9, the 11-acre property will feature 95,000 square feet of retail, moving, and self-storage space. This includes 720 indoor climate-controlled storage units with high-tech security. The facility will offer truck and trailer rentals, U-Box containers, moving supplies, professional hitch installation, and propane services. U-Haul plans to hire up to 10 local staff members and emphasizes its sustainability initiatives, including adaptive reuse of buildings and various green programs.

Positive

• Acquisition and repurposing of an 11-acre property in Kenton.
• 95,000 square feet of retail, moving, and storage space.
• Introduction of 720 indoor climate-controlled storage units.
• Temporary retail showroom providing immediate services.
• Future services to include professional hitch installation and propane.
• Plans to hire up to 10 local staff members, promoting job growth.
• Recognition as a Best for Vets employer and preference for hiring veterans.
• Corporate sustainability initiatives supporting infill developments.
• Sustainable programs like Take A Box, Leave A Box and U-Haul Re-Use Center.
• Truck and trailer sharing to reduce community carbon footprint.
• U-Box Load Share named Best in Biz gold winner for Most Environmentally Friendly Service of the Year.

Negative

• No immediate completion date for the full facility conversion.
• Temporary showroom may not offer the full range of services initially.
• Potential for delays in hiring and full service rollout.

KENTON, Ohio, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul^® is revealing plans for a former Kmart^® building at 1005 E. Columbus St. in Kenton that it purchased back on Feb. 9.

The 11-acre property is being repurposed for a contemporary retail, moving and self-storage facility as part of the U-Haul Adaptive Reuse program.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Kenton and its 95,000 square feet are currently being converted to provide customers access to 720 indoor climate-controlled self-storage units with high-tech security features at affordable price points.

While the building makeover takes place, DIY moving products like truck and trailer rentals, U-Box portable storage containers, boxes and moving supplies are available from a temporary retail showroom. Professional hitch installation and propane will also be available in the future to ensure U-Haul of Kenton is a full-service property.

Current business hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Make reservations on the U-Haul app or call the store at (419) 679-3000.

"We are elated to be part of the Kenton community and grateful for the opportunity to refresh this vacant Kmart into a beautiful U-Haul center," stated Logan Minnich, U-Haul Company of Northwestern Ohio president. "We want to provide customers with our full line of moving and storage solutions, from climate-controlled rooms to portable storage. We look forward to seeing this area grow and being there to support the needs of Ohio families."

Minnich intends to hire up to 10 Team Members to staff the new store. U-Haul will look to hire locally to promote job growth within the Kenton community. U-Haul, honored as a Best for Vets employer by The Military Times, actively recruits veterans and gives them preference in the hiring process. Find U-Haul careers at uhauljobs.com.

Acquisition of the former Kmart property was driven by U-Haul Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-building materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.

The finished store will feature sustainable programs like Take A Box, Leave A Box and a U-Haul Re-Use Center where gently used furnishings can be shared among fellow community members.

U-Haul continues to benefit the environment through its shared-use business model. Truck and trailer sharing enables communities to share moving equipment so that families and individuals don't need to own large-capacity vehicles to transfer belongings. Sustainability initiatives like U-Haul Adaptive Reuse, truck modifications to improve fuel economy, the Take a Box, Leave a Box program, and plastic Ready-To-Go Boxes^® that are shared hundreds of times before being recycled are among the many ways U-Haul promotes green business. U-Box Load Share, the Company's latest sustainability program, was recently named the 2023 Best in Biz gold winner for the Most Environmentally Friendly Service of the Year.

About U-HAUL 

Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 23,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The enhanced U-Haul app makes it easier for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and self-return options on their smartphones through our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 192,200 trucks, 138,500 trailers and 44,500 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America with 967,000 rentable units and 83.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. Get the U-Haul app from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact: 

Yasmine Esparza
Jeff Lockridge
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-263-6194
Website: uhaul.com

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SOURCE U-Haul

FAQ

What are U-Haul's plans for the former Kmart site in Kenton?

U-Haul plans to convert the former Kmart site into a 95,000 square foot moving and self-storage facility.

When did U-Haul purchase the property in Kenton?

U-Haul purchased the Kenton property on February 9, 2024.

What services will U-Haul offer at the new Kenton location?

The Kenton location will offer truck and trailer rentals, U-Box containers, professional hitch installation, and propane services.

How many storage units will be available at U-Haul's Kenton facility?

The facility will feature 720 indoor climate-controlled self-storage units.

Will U-Haul create jobs at the new Kenton location?

Yes, U-Haul plans to hire up to 10 local staff members for the new facility.

How is U-Haul supporting sustainability with the Kenton project?

U-Haul is emphasizing adaptive reuse of existing buildings and promoting green programs like truck sharing and the Take A Box, Leave A Box initiative.