U-Haul is moving into a former Kmart location in Des Moines — converting the shell of the big-box retailer into a self-storage facility and retail space for its moving equipment.

The company acquired the former Kmart at 2535 Hubbell Ave. on Jan. 31 and plans to redevelop the 106,914-square-foot building into 700 indoor self-storage units. The units include climate-controlled rooms and security features, according to a news release.

A temporary space is already open at the facility that provides truck and trailer sharing, towing equipment, moving supplies, containers and professional hitch installation.

The Kmart off Hubbell Avenue was the last one standing in the Des Moines metro until it closed in early September. It has stood vacant until U-Haul moved in.

“Des Moines’ east side has been a hub of activity lately, and residents need a reliable moving and self-storage facility here,” Randy Dickson, U-Haul Company of Iowa president, said in a statement.

The company said the purchase is a part of their sustainability efforts to reuse existing buildings to reduce the resources required to build a new structure, according to the release.

The self-storage redevelopment will be built in phases with plans for the first units to be available by fall.

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