Developer announces million warehouse project in Northeast Philadelphia, close to the airport.
In a significant development for Northeast Philadelphia, Crow Holdings Development (CHD) has announced plans to commence construction of a 103,000-square-foot warehouse on a largely unused 10-acre parcel situated across from the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Valued at approximately million, this project is part of CHD’s ongoing efforts to expand its operations in the region.
The property, located at 2748 Grant Avenue, is already zoned for industrial use and is flanked by established businesses including a Public Storage facility and Muller Inc., a beverage wholesaler. This strategic choice underscores the developer’s objective to leverage Philadelphia’s growing industrial landscape to its advantage.
Clark Machemer, senior managing director at CHD, highlighted the company’s successful track record in the Philadelphia market in a recent announcement. The Northwest Philadelphia site was selected not only for its zoning but also for its logistical advantages, which include access to a skilled workforce and its proximity to key transportation corridors such as Interstate 95. This accessibility will facilitate efficient regional distribution, making the site particularly attractive for potential tenants.
According to Machemer, smaller-scale industrial buildings, typically around 250,000 square feet or less, are more viable in urban settings like Philadelphia due to lower associated costs compared to larger facilities located further from city centers. The construction of the Grant Avenue warehouse, which has been in planning for the past 18 months, is set to begin within weeks, with an expected construction timeline of approximately nine months.
While CHD does not currently have a tenant secured for the facility, Machemer expressed confidence in the market demand, asserting that suitable tenants will likely emerge as the project nears completion. The architectural plans for the warehouse include a single-story design featuring 32-foot ceilings, 32 loading docks, two drive-in bays, and parking options for up to 65 vehicles.
In July, CHD acquired the Grant Avenue parcel for million from James D. Morrisey Inc., followed by a construction loan of .6 million secured in August. The company plans to take advantage of Philadelphia’s 10-year tax abatement program and has been actively working with local authorities to secure the necessary permits.
CHD’s growing influence in the Philadelphia market is underscored by its ownership of a nearby warehouse leased to Amazon, as well as a 147,000-square-foot facility currently under construction at 14515 McNulty Road, which has already secured a tenant in logistics coordinator Martin Brower. Additionally, the firm is nearing completion on another large-scale project, a 294,000-square-foot facility located on River Road in Burlington Township. Crow Holdings Development is the real estate development arm of Crow Holdings, a privately held investment firm based in Dallas.
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