Northern Builders Breaks Ground on 365K SF Build to Suit Industrial Facility in New Lenox

Key Points

• 365,000 SF build-to-suit industrial facility underway
• Prime southwest Chicago logistics location near I-80 & I-355
• Delivery targeted for December 2026

What the Project Scope Means for Modern Logistics Users

The development totals 365,000 square feet on nearly 20 acres, purpose-built for a single industrial user. The facility is designed for today’s distribution and light manufacturing needs, featuring 40-foot clear heights, significant office buildout, and dedicated mezzanine space to support operations, storage, and workforce functions. Large clear heights and flexible interior configurations remain critical for automation. ready tenants and high-throughput logistics users.

What the Location Means for Regional Distribution Efficiency

The site sits along W. Spencer Road in New Lenox within Chicago’s southwest suburban industrial belt. Proximity to Interstate 80 and the I-355 interchange provides fast east-west freight movement and north-south regional access, connecting tenants to the broader Midwest supply chain network. This corridor has become a preferred alternative to infill Chicago industrial sites due to land availability and easier truck circulation.

What the Site Design Means for Tenant Operations

Operational capacity is a major focus of the layout. Plans include extensive employee and fleet parking, multiple dock doors for high volume loading, drive-in access for flexible use, and expandable trailer storage that supports future growth. These features align with logistics tenants prioritizing throughput efficiency and scalable yard space.

What the Development Team Means for Delivery Confidence

The project is being developed and built by Northern Builders, an integrated developer-contractor model that streamlines execution. Construction is already underway with completion expected by December 2026, reducing entitlement risk and accelerating tenant occupancy timelines. Build-to-suit structures backed by committed users typically carry lower leasing risk than speculative industrial projects.

What This Means for Chicago Industrial Investors

Chicago’s suburban logistics markets continue to attract tenant demand driven by e-commerce, manufacturing reshoring, and regional distribution needs. New, modern facilities with highway proximity and operational flexibility remain best positioned to capture rent growth and long-term occupancy stability.