Zoning board recommends Menard self-storage conversion for vacant site behind Menards and Walmart

The Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Council for Menard, Inc.’s plan to convert a long-vacant commercial property at 2450 West Jefferson Street into a Menard-branded self-storage facility.

Staff described the plan: the reuse would include about 92 climate-controlled units inside the existing building and roughly 174 non-climate exterior units built within the current parking area. The development would be enclosed with fencing, secured with a gated access controlled by pin pads, and monitored with security cameras. Menard representatives said the company has built similar facilities adjacent to existing stores across the Midwest and plans to staff and maintain the site using local store employees as site coordinators.

The petitioner asked for a design-materials variation to permit gray LP SmartSide engineered wood siding (a cedar‑textured engineered product) in lieu of institutional-quality masonry normally required in I1 industrial districts. Staff recommended approval of the special use permit for self-storage and supported the design variation given the property’s context adjacent to residential areas and existing commercial uses; staff also recommended standard conditions, including a 180-day building-permit start requirement and revocation provisions if the site is declared a public nuisance.

Board discussion touched on visibility, buffering, shared parking with the DMV lot, and aesthetics. Menard representatives said the material palette (gray engineered wood siding with red roofing) would be chosen to be compatible with nearby properties. The board voted to recommend approval to the City Council; the matter will be scheduled for a future council meeting for final action.