U-Haul converting former Kmart into self-storage facility

U-Haul is converting a former Kmart site on Spokane’s east side into a retail store with self-storage units.

The moving equipment and storage rental company acquired the 115,900-square-foot building at 4110 E. Sprague Ave. in January after Kmart parent Sears Holding Corp. had announced the store was closing as a result of bankruptcy proceedings.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of East Town currently is operating out of a temporary showroom and offering truck and trailer rental, towing equipment, portable storage containers and moving supplies.

“This location is perfect for U-Haul because eastern Spokane has been underserved when it comes to state-of-the-art moving and self-storage facilities,” Manny Mendez, president of U-Haul Company of the Inland Northwest, said in a news release.

Acquisition of the former Kmart – the discount retailer’s first store in Spokane when it opened in 1966 – is part of U-Haul’s corporate sustainability initiative to support infill development.

“Reusing big box stores is important because many times they remain dark for years and become blight on the community,” Mendez said. “Most of our U-Haul-owned and -operated stores are a product of adaptive reuse. We’re excited to bring our eco-friendly design to Spokane.”

The U-Haul location will offer more than 700 indoor self-storage units, propane, professional hitch installation and moving supplies. The company expects to employ 15 people at the new retail site.

A completion date for the conversion was not announced.