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Read the press release here.

Century-Old Wieboldt's Building Gets New Life As Self-Storage Space

By Alisa Hauser | August 17, 2017 3:15pm | Updated on August 17, 2017 3:22pm
 Extra Space Storage in Wicker Park.
Extra Space Storage in Wicker Park
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WICKER PARK —  You can now store all your extra stuff close to home.

The new Extra Space Storage in the former Wieboldt's department store building features more than 1,200 units.

"Self storage is driven by life needs. You are moving, between apartments. Some tenants stay longer than expected, some always have a storage locker. It's becoming a part of people's lives," said John Mengel, owner of JSM Venture, a prominent developer of self-storage facilities.

Mengel said more than 40 people rented storage units during the new location's first few weeks and that points to the fact neighborhood residents — particularly the "younger and more mobile" — needed the "extra space."

Extra Space Storage opened in late July at 1300 N. Ashland Ave. in the Wicker Commons shopping mall. The leasing office is at 1279 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Self Storage Units Coming To Wicker Park's Milwaukee Avenue

A joint venture between Mengel's firm and Chicago-based CEDARst bought 140,000 square feet of loft office space in the former Wieboldt's building for $14.85 million and Associated Bank provided acquisition and development financing for the deal, according to a news release.

The Wieboldt's building was constructed in 1898 by German born William Wielboldt. In the early 1900s, the store employed more than 700 people and grossed $3 million in annual sales, says a 2007 report by the City's Department of Planning and Development.

"We have done a restoration to a beautiful historic building and it's an exciting location," said Mengel on the changing block just north of the busy Division Street and Ashland Avenue intersection where the CTA Division Blue Line is located.

The brick and terra cotta building features tall ceilings and big windows. Extra Space Storage occupies the upper three floors of the prominent 4-story site, anchored by a Mattress Firm, Potbelly Sandwiches, Pet Supplies Plus and other big brands.

Wieboldt's closed several decades ago. Prior to the renovation, the three floors were used for office space.

Elsewhere in Wicker Park, CEDARst owns The Milwood, an apartment building  at 1422 N. Milwaukee Ave. that had been vacant since the 1970s prior to reopening last summer.

Will Murphy, a CEDARst managing partner, worked with Mengel closely and "brought a lot to the table," with overseeing the construction and being "instrumental in engineering the deal," Mengel said.

Extra Space customers can enter the facility between 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. For more info, visit its website.