One Anchor Point man, Pete Kineen, is trying to change how Alaskans store their property, by selling storage units instead of renting them. He plans to open properties for Storage Condominiums of Alaska in Kenai, Soldotna and Anchor Point this year, and then in Anchorage, Homer and Seward in 2020.
“Not renting means no landlord to take your possessions if you fall behind on rent for any reason,” Kineen said.
Kineen said at any given moment, one in 10 Americans are renting a storage unit.
“One of the goals was to figure how I can tell somebody ‘buy this and you’ll never lose your possessions,’” Kineen said. “If you get amnesia for 10 years and remember all your really cool stuff is over here you haven’t paid any fees… You could come 10 years later and your stuff will still be there.”
Storage units would range from mini-storage unites, mini-warehouse units, vehicle storage, RV storage, boatyard spaces and truck and equipment storage. Some units are heated.
The idea is something Kineen has had in the back of his mind for many years. Kineen experienced his own loss of property after his divorce. When he moved out and packed his personal belongings into a storage unit, he said he took a trip to the South Pacific, and didn’t return for several months. He said he arranged for a friend to pay the rent on the storage unit, but when he got back to Anchorage to unpack his belongings, the rent was unpaid and everything was gone.
“Ultimately, it was my fault … My favorite motorcycle I went everywhere with, it was in the storage.”
Along with the motorcycle, Kineen also lost his favorite canoe.
“… and things you can’t put a dollar on, like Father’s Day cards, kids’ report cards and pictures and stuff,” Kineen said. “All gone.”
Kineen said the storage units may attract business owners, attorneys and other businesses who need document storage and companies who do field work on the peninsula.
One of his storage centers is walking distance from the Kenai Municipal Airport. He said the location will also make room for vehicle storage.
“I’m thinking this Airport Way property, that would be suitable for individuals, but also be very appropriate for different offices and agencies all around this area,” Kineen said.
Owners of a storage unit have the title and can use it however they would use other real estate, Kineen said, whether the owner wants to use the property to sell or as collateral.
“It’s a very unique opportunity not been available elsewhere,” Kineen said.
Kineen said interested residents can contact storagecondominiumsofalaska@gmail.com.
Storage Condominiums of Alaska units are being planned around the state, with the first being set up in Kenai, near the airport, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Pete Kineen/Storage Condominiums of Alaska)
