Kessinger/Hunter to Develop Giant Warehouse in Kansas City Area's I-35 Logistics Park

800,000-square-foot structure will be largest spec building ever constructed in KC

OLATHE, Kan., April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new 821,256-sq.-ft. warehouse will soon be under construction in the I-35 Logistics Park at 155th and Old 56 Highway in Olathe, Kan., part of the Kansas City region.  Kessinger/Hunter & Company will develop the building—one of three the company plans to build at the 200-acre park.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120416/DC88067)

Dubbed "Building B," the multi-tenant distribution facility will be the largest building ever built on a speculative basis in the Kansas City area, said Dan Jensen, principal of Kessinger/Hunter.  The state-of-the-art facility will be LEED certified and will feature an ESFR sprinkler system, 168 dock doors on a pass-through loading facility, and 270 trailer parking spots.  Construction will begin immediately, and completion is expected in the first half of 2013. 

"KC SmartPort's job is to attract new logistics operations to the Kansas City metro area and a building of this size gives us a huge competitive advantage over other major logistics centers," said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. "An 800,000-square-foot warehouse makes it much easier for a major consumer products company to quickly set up distribution operations and start moving product."

The Kansas City region has the lowest truckload shipment costs and the most central location in the United States. Kansas City boasts more freeway-lane miles per capita than any other U.S. city, and is one of only a few U.S. cities in which four interstates intersect. Five major railroads serve the metro making Kansas City the largest rail hub in the nation in terms of tonnage.

Over the last five years, Kansas City has added more than eight million square feet of freight based real estate and $193 million in new payroll in the supply chain industry due to investment from companies like Coleman, Pure Fishing, Pacific Sunwear and Zumiez.

"We are thrilled to have an 800,000-plus-square-foot warehouse coming to Olathe—built by such a quality developer and placed in such a prime location," said Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland. "It's a testament to their optimism about the economy and their confidence in Olathe and Kansas City that Kessinger/Hunter is investing so significantly in our community."

Kessinger/Hunter built a 600,000-sq.-ft. spec warehouse in the same area of Olathe in 2008.  At that time the facility was the largest speculative distribution center built in the Kansas City area. It is now fully occupied, with tenants including FedEx SmartPost and Bushnell.

Kessinger/Hunter will exclusively market the new 800,000-sq.-ft. facility for lease. The site is 1.5 miles from the city's new 159th and Lone Elm interchange, and seven miles from the new 1,000-acre Burlington Northern Intermodal Center in Edgerton.  Potential tenants should contact Dan Jensen at 816.936.8505 or [email protected].

About Kessinger/Hunter
Kessinger/Hunter, established in Kansas City in 1879, is one of Greater Kansas City's leading commercial real estate firms. The firm serves clients nationwide with a variety of real estate services from office, retail and industrial brokerage to investment sales, property management and construction. www.kessingerhunter.com

About KC SmartPort
KC SmartPort is the authority on logistics and opportunities in the 18-county, bi-state Kansas City region. A non-profit economic development organization, KC SmartPort promotes and enhances the Kansas City region's status as a leading North American logistics hub.  KC SmartPort is affiliated with the Kansas City Area Development Council, the regional economic development organization for the 18-county Kansas City metro.  www.KCSmartPort.com

About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people, the Kansas City region offers the benefits of more than 50 unique communities and 18 counties in Kansas and Missouri. Called "America's Creative Crossroads," the region's distinctive qualities come from a confluence of artistry and innovation.  Kansas City and its corporations, universities and lifestyle assets are nationally ranked among the best places to work, innovate and explore. Contact the Kansas City Area Development Council to learn more about business and career opportunities in the Greater KC area.  www.thinkkc.com/ 

SOURCE KC SmartPort