One of the longest-running storage facilities in Ballard is shutting down in a few months.
Magnum Self Storage has been operating at 5422 Shilshole Ave NW for over 40 years. But now, co-owner Mike Hall says it’s time to sell the property and move on.
“We want to retire,” Hall told My Ballard. They have 500 customers, who Hall said they’ve been notifying since early in January.
“That’s the hardest part. We really enjoy chatting with our customers,” Hall said.
They’re last day in business will be July 4th — Hall said he’d like their last day to be memorable — with fireworks.
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
Eyesore wouldn’t even begin to describe that building. Bring on the water view apartment buildings!
its a warehouse it isn’t suppose to be pretty. Ballard needs more apartments like it needs people like you.
oh right…ugly useless buildings that encourage people to live further and drive into the city, that’s definitely what we need. /s
Although the this facility/warehouse didn’t employ a lot of people if it comes down for apartments it will be more creep into the industrial area along the ship canal. What is the balance between the jobs that are being lost as those businesses are pushed out and affordable housing? What is already happening is that the business are feeling pressure from the commuters down 24th bypassing Ballard to 17th (Ballard Bridge) or Leary. There is a lot of industrial traffic along Shilshole Blvd. and a lot of the drivers and newbies to the community don’t realize the history that is contained in that area. Hopefully everyone will go to the new National Nordic Museum?
Enjoy retirement Mike!
Ahh yes, the vital history of a fuel storage yard, a boatyard, a cement plant, some corporate offices, small auto workshops, and a hideous blue storage building.
Andrew you really do struggle with being reasonable and being a total twit on these comment threads. In this case, FWIW, there is a vital waterfront economy down there and when it begins to devolve — whether you appreciate the aesthetics of the business or not — it’s worth giving long-time Ballard residents the room to be concerned, even angry, that it is happening. After all, I think even you could agree that Ballard’s historical identity is rooted more in the industrial waterfront than view apartment buildings. The arc of progress will likely carry on without your snark adding anything to it.
There used to be a native village there…thats REAL historical identity….not the bullies at the shipyard and gravel salesmen.
careful…some folks on this blog only start counting history when the White Men came to town
Industrial waterfront? This was mini storage, not boat building. And if people are angry over inevitable change, then they should grow up. But I see you toss around insults at those who disagree with you, so you are obviously in need of some growing up yourself.
Comment noted and given all due consideration. Thanks.
FWIW this would be a great location for apartments. Tons of pedestrian accessible amenities and transit within just a block. Shilshole ave really should be lined with apartment buildings.
But this pacel is zoned IG2 (General Industrial) in which residential uses are prohibited.