Windmill Storage LLC, of Post Falls, says it plans to develop more storage buildings at its 10-acre site at 8109 N. Daisy Lane in Post Falls.

“We’ve completed two buildings already and plan to build at least two more this year,” says owner Kirk “Corky” Hughes. “By the end, we’d like to have a total of 138,000 square feet, with upwards of 100 units available for rent.” 

He says he decided to start the business after gaining experience working with other storage-unit companies. 

“I felt there was a demand here, so I decided that I would try to fill that niche,” he says. 

Hughes, who also owns Hughes HVAC LLC, says he is both the owner and contractor for the project to construct the buildings, and he has been subcontracting most of the work.

The two buildings already developed there were completed last fall. They have a combined 25,000 square feet of space and contain 38 storage units, ranging in size from 560 square feet to 960 square feet each.

ML Architect & Associates Inc., of Post Falls, designed the buildings. Building-permit information on file with Kootenai County list the construction value for the two-building project at $1.3 million, although Hughes says the total project cost is likely less than that figure.

He says construction of the first building began in March of 2015, and work on the second building started in April of 2016. 

“Both buildings were completed last October, with the exception of some interior finishing touches yet to be completed within the second building,” he says.  “The first building’s rental units are already fully occupied.”

Hughes says the storage units in each building are larger than average because they were made for holding recreational vehicles and boats. Each unit has hydronic heat, created by circulating hot water through radiant tubing in the floors to provide warmth.

“That’s the most important feature and the most difficult part to get working,” he says. “Usually, heating requires some heavy-duty insulation, and the new codes are very restrictive.”

 In addition to heated flooring, each unit has power outlets available, as well as interior lighting and an electric roll-up door.