The WK Storage facility occupies one of Lincoln’s most recognizable historic structures: the Strode Building, completed in 1917. Long before it became a modern storage hub, this address stood at the center of Lincoln’s early automotive corridor, serving as a base for companies that helped shape the region’s transportation economy.
Positioned along the old Detroit–Lincoln–Denver Highway, the building originally operated as a commercial home for automobile manufacturers, dealerships, and service shops. One of the most notable brands connected to the property was Willys‑Knight, known for its sleeve‑valve engine and smooth-running luxury vehicles produced between 1914 and 1933. The Strode Building’s showrooms and service bays were part of Lincoln’s “Automobile Row,” where customers came to see new models, arrange repairs, and experience the rapid growth of the early motor age.
Throughout the decades, the building hosted a long list of automotive businesses — from Oldsmobile dealers to repair shops, parts suppliers, and even a miniature golf attraction during the 1930s. Western Auto occupied the space for many years, followed later by Economy Performance Auto. Each tenant left its mark, contributing to the building’s reputation as a durable, adaptable commercial structure.
As Lincoln evolved, so did the Strode Building. Its historical importance was formally recognized when the Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Commission designated it a local landmark, ensuring its preservation. In 2019, co‑owners Jeff Koepke and Eric Clark began a major restoration effort to stabilize the structure and prepare it for new uses while honoring its century-long legacy.
Today, WK Storage continues that tradition of practical, community‑focused service. The same sturdy framework that once supported showrooms, repair bays, and automotive innovation now provides secure, climate‑controlled storage solutions for Lincoln residents. The building’s industrial heritage makes it uniquely suited for modern storage needs — strong construction, wide spans, and durable materials built to last.
More than a storage facility, WK Storage stands as a living piece of Lincoln’s automotive past, repurposed for today while preserving the character and history of the original Strode Building.