Former KMart site in South Phoenix to be occupied by U-Haul

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- A former KMart in South Phoenix has been sitting vacant for more than two years, but that building is about to get a second life, as U-Haul recently bought it.

The former K-Mart store, located at the long-dormant Southgate Shopping Plaza, will now house more than 700 storage units.

"I think it will be very good for this community," said Deariane Loggins with U-Haul.

"The store has been be vacant for a number of years, it's in an area that we've felt that we've needed to be in for a long time," said Joe Kurege.

With big box stores transitioning to online sales, storage companies are coming in to fill the retail void.

"This is what U-Haul does," said Kurege. "70% of our stores are reused locations."

"Definitely would like to see the building up and running, would like to see the parking lot full of trucks," said Loggins.

Loggins knows the neighborhood, and as the store's GM, he's getting an idea of what he wants to see.

"First thought that crossed my mind when I walk into this building is that it's a pretty big building, so we're going to be able to put a lot of storage units in here to help the community around here," said Loggins.