Public Storage seeks
to build 5-story facility

More in store Public Storage Inc. has preliminary plans to build a facility on Kapiolani: Size: 1,300 units Parking stalls: 55

Public Storage Inc. yesterday unveiled preliminary plans for a five-story storage facility on Kapiolani Boulevard that it hopes will absorb the clutter of a growing resident population expected in Kakaako.

With several high-rise condominium projects either planned or under construction nearby, the Glendale, Calif.-based company said its seventh Hawaii location would fill a "critical" need in Kakaako, and asked the Hawaii Community Development Authority's executive board to approve the project.

The authority is a state agency that oversees Kakaako development.

The proposed 1,300-unit structure at the corner of Kapiolani and Kamakee Street would feature a more decorative design than typical Public Storage facilities, which are usually characterized by blank walls several stories high.

Clearly catered to the HCDA's preference for aesthetically pleasing structures in the area, the site plan includes a terraced architectural design with glass facades, pedestrian walkways, landscaping elements, outdoor seating areas and street-level retail space along Kamakee.

Public Storage also asked to be allowed to include 55 parking stalls at the site instead of the 203 required for a development of its size, saying its storage facilities have less traffic than comparably sized office space.

It produced data showing that for the whole month of June there were only seven one-hour periods in which more than 20 people visited its Kaimuki location.

Public Storage said its facilities average a 94 percent occupancy rate and that its Pearl City location already is at 91 percent since opening in November.

The company acquired the Kapiolani site earlier this summer for about $13 million.

The authority took no action and Public Storage is expected to return to the board as it finishes its development proposal.