U-Haul utilizes its adaptive reuse program to re-purpose and beautify old and often abandoned buildings for its stores. Recently, U-Haul® sustainability initiatives were applied in the adaptive reuse of the former Tyson® refrigerated cold storage and meat processing plant at 665 Perry St. in Buffalo.
By reusing the Tyson plant, U-Haul prevented 4,536 tons of metal manufacturing and transportation from being used; avoided 10,204 tons of new concrete pours; kept 14,910 tons of construction and demolition debris out of landfills; and stopped 22,291,204 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Building Specs
Buffalo storage solutions are provided at U-Haul at Larkin District
U-Haul acquired the 165,181-square-foot building, now U-Haul Moving & Storage at Larkin District, in April. Extensive renovations are leading to the creation of more than 1,200 indoor and outdoor self-storage units of varying sizes with state-of-the-art security features. Units will be available by the end of the summer.
The store is currently offering truck and trailer sharing, moving supplies, towing equipment and towing accessories, bike racks, and U-Box portable moving and storage containers. Professional hitch installation will be available in the near future.
“As a WNY resident, I see the need for U-Haul services firsthand,” said Todd Schnitzer, U-Haul Company of Western New York president. “With the revitalization going on downtown, we want to give people the opportunity for convenience. The conversion of existing buildings into mixed-use and residential property downtown is growing, and people are moving back into Buffalo. There is a demand for U-Haul self-storage and moving services.”
Contact U-Haul Moving & Storage at Larkin District at (716) 261-3612 or stop by to visit general manager Tom McMullen and his team. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Thursday-Saturday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The store is currently closed Tuesday-Wednesday for construction purposes. Reserve equipment at uhaul.com or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.
Schnitzer expects to employ a staff of 20 or more Team Members when the facility is fully operational. U-Haul will also look to hire locally to promote job growth in Buffalo. Furthermore, U-Haul always encourages local contractors to bid on construction work.
Going Green
U-Haul Company’s Corporate Sustainability initiatives drove the acquisition of the Larkin District facility. U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. Also, new construction materials need energy and resources. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings consequently reduces these things. It also helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.
“At U-Haul, we commit to sustainability through environmental protection, social responsibility and economic efficiency,” states Dr. Allan Yang, U-Haul chief sustainability scientist. “A fundamental policy in U-Haul property development is to rehabilitate existing buildings rather than building anew. Building conversions allow U-Haul to promote infill development to meet citizens’ needs while preserving the natural resources and land normally required for new construction.”
Buffalo storage options improve while U-Haul implements its environmentally smart initiatives.
Schnitzer adds: “People are always hearing about overflowing landfills and trash trains sitting in residential areas because we have more waste than we know what to do with. Adaptive reuse is important. Consequently, U-Haul commits to stopping the needless dumping of useable materials into our landfills. In addition, we need to provide a better future for our children and all the generations to come.”
Finally, what do you think of our adaptive reuse program? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
