Extra Space Storage recently completed an expansion project for a self storage property in Lihue, HI at 1894 Haleukana St, adding 221 new units to the existing facility. Leading the expansion were Program Manager Mark Glasmire, Deal Captain Mackay Reid, and Design Lead Rob Burns. The location, climate, and partially completed construction made this property a challenging and unique project.
In 2016, Extra Space Storage purchased the Hawaii property with the intention to expand. The original developer had already poured an expansion foundation several years ago, but the project came to a standstill after the 2008 Recession. The expansion finally came to fruition, and the project was completed in March 2021, but there were many obstacles along the way.
The remote location of the Hawaiian Islands created several logistical challenges. Program and project managers had to make regular trips from the mainland to monitor progress and keep the project moving forward. This was a particular challenge in 2020 due to limited, or completely restricted, travel to and from the island because of COVID-19.
Lihue is located on Kauai, one of Hawaii’s more remote and geographically diverse islands. While the general and sub-contractors were Hawaiian locals, most of them commuted from other islands to complete work at the site. The general contractor commuted from Maui for the duration of the project. In addition to personnel logistics, all materials had to be imported, and any shortages caused significant timeline delays.
Another unpredictable cause of delays was the Kauai weather. Kauai is known as the “Garden Island,” thanks to frequent tropical rains that create its lush landscape. But as a result, construction suffered many weather-related delays and shutdowns.
Store Manager Wynona Adams and District Manager Kate Stapleton rose to the challenge and supported the project team and the Extra Space Storage Operations team from the field. As the Program Manager, Glasmire took a hands-on approach during his visits to the site and maximized his time by making repairs himself whenever possible. The trio communicated diligently and made a great team!
The finished project gives this facility the street visibility it deserves. Occupancy increased 11% in the initial six weeks following completion, as new customers can now quickly identify the self storage location. Thank you to the project team, store leaders, and the Operations team for making the expansion of 1894 Haleukana St in Lihue a success!
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