Developing properties that perform
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE
a Northeast-focused industrial platform to a national development platform with active speculative projects across approximately 11 states and seven regions, with about 13 million square feet of industrial development underway or recently completed.
While fundamentals are resetting in some traditional gateway markets, Hanback is seeing strong momentum in infill areas, driven by economic growth and demographics.“ These areas include Dallas, Houston,
“ There’ s a disconnect between what the operations side within companies prioritizes to be productive compared to what finance prioritizes to manage costs.”
Phoenix and Atlanta, as well as strategic secondary markets such as Norfolk, Greenville and Seattle,” she said.
Hanback also pointed to the Port of Virginia as a growing area of activity, with strong occupier demand.
“ South Carolina and Georgia continue to generate consistent leasing activity and investment,” she said.“ Markets that Rockefeller Group has entered or evaluated in recent years that are showing signs of growth are the Pacific Northwest and Texas.”
Tertiary markets like Reno, Nev., and Abilene, TX, have development pipelines that could outpace those of some primary markets, such as Hillsboro, Ore., or Silicon Valley, in 2026, CBRE said.
Occupiers are increasingly using AI and diversifying sourcing, including turning to domestic manufacturers, according to CBRE. Instead of making permanent location changes, many companies are adding more flexibility into their logistics networks through outsourcing, varied sourcing and shorter leases.
Hanback views the trend differently.
“ I wouldn’ t characterize industrial location trends in terms of a shift, but rather an evolution to build out supply chains for resilience, last-mile delivery and long-term growth and expansion,” she said.
Looking ahead
The industrial real estate market is stabilizing, but a full recovery remains uneven as tariffs, interest rates, consumer spending and evolving supply chains shape demand.
“ As we experience inquiries and tours converting to LOIs [ letters of intent ] and leases, it’ s a cause for optimism along with oversupplied markets moving back toward balance,” Hanback said.“ Interest rates and consumer spending are reasons for caution and active monitoring, as we see companies continuing to be cost-conscious. At times, there’ s a disconnect between what the operations side within companies prioritizes to be productive compared to what finance prioritizes to manage costs.”
However, while challenges remain, the industrial real estate sector continues to stabilize after the overbuilding and volatility of the last few years. Occupiers, developers and investors are adapting to uncertainty using strategies such as 3PLs, shorter leases and diversified supply chains. As demand shifts toward higher-quality, specialized facilities, AI and data center growth are creating new opportunities for development and investment.
email: nicolerollender @ strandwritingservices. com
Developing properties that perform
For over 40 years, Rockefeller Group has been engaged in large-scale industrial property development, beginning with the partnership to develop the 1.7-million-square-foot International Trade Center in New Jersey. Since its inception, the company has developed more than 28 million square feet of Class A industrial real estate for many of the world’ s leading businesses and logistics firms.
Rockefeller Group has extensive experience obtaining entitlements for industrial development projects nationwide. The company has completed build-to-suit projects for Fortune 500 clients who emphasize the value of a strong track record, financial stability through market cycles and projects delivered on schedule and within established budgets.
Seven US regional offices house the local development, design & construction, and leasing teams, providing market-level expertise to bolster the company’ s national footprint. Each regional development team has existing relationships in the local markets and is experienced in all aspects of development.
The company plans its projects for the most efficient access from ports and inland distribution hubs to the nation’ s major population centers. In addition, the company advises businesses and property owners on trade and logistics matters related to Foreign Trade Zones through its FTZ Services subsidiary.
56 Journal of Commerce | July 6, 2026 www. joc. com