January 12, 2022

CDC Announces Industrial Distribution Center to Be Built at First State Crossing in Claymont, DE

Rendering of First Industrial’s 358,000 SF Warehouse at First State Crossing

Claymont, DE – Commercial Development Company, Inc. (CDC) is pleased to announce the sale of 28 acres to First Industrial Realty Trust on which the REIT will construct a 358,000 SF industrial distribution facility to be located within the “First State Crossing” development in Claymont, Delaware.

“We understand there is high-demand for ready-to-occupy logistics facilities, and we are pleased to work alongside First Industrial to bring this project to Claymont. It is a welcome kick-off to the First State Crossing masterplan,” said Stephen Collins, Executive Vice President at CDC.

The 358,000 SF rear-load facility will feature 68 dock door positions, parking for 241 trailers, 40 ft. clear height, and LED lighting. The building’s flexible design positions First Industrial to accommodate supply chain requirements for a single tenant or multiple users across a range of industries.

“The I-95 Corridor is a critical distribution corridor and Northern Delaware, as part of the greater Philadelphia industrial market, has seen strong tenant demand due to its infill location and favorable business climate,” said John Hanlon, Executive Director for First Industrial. “Our project offers efficient highway access to I-95 and I-495 and a strong local labor pool. We are excited to bring this state-of-the-art facility to serve businesses in this high barrier market.”

The facility will be located on the site of the former Evraz Steel Mill adjacent to I-95 and I-495 and just 15 minutes south of Philadelphia International Airport.

About First State Crossing

CDC purchased the retired Evraz Steel Mill in 2015 with plans to establish a mixed-use project on the 425-acre site. The first step was to relocate Claymont Transit Center to anchor the redevelopment. The $70 million transit center will be the busiest in Delaware with 44 trains per day. Claymont Station will open in August 2023 and will connect First State Crossing to Greater Philadelphia with express trains to 30^th Street Station in just 25 minutes.

First State Crossing is now projected to include 700,000 square feet of industrial, 500,000 square feet of office, 50,000 square feet of retail, and 1,200 apartments and townhomes.

The value of the project is expected to exceed one billion dollars in construction costs and will represent the largest economic development project in the state, according to Brett Saddler, Executive Director of the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation.

More about First State Crossing »

Development-ready land is available for sale or lease. If you are seeking sites for your next project, please contact Stephen Collins at 314-835-2835 or scollins@cdcco.com.

About Commercial Development Company, Inc.

Commercial Development Company, Inc. (CDC) is a privately-held, diversified real estate acquisition and development firm whose principal competency lies within the acquisition, repositioning, and redevelopment of underutilized, distressed or environmentally-challenged properties. CDC has purchased and developed over 50-million-square feet under roof located on over 300 sites throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.cdcco.com.

About First Industrial

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FR) is a leading fully integrated owner, operator, and developer of industrial real estate with a track record of providing industry-leading customer service to multinational corporations and regional customers. Across major markets in the United States, our local market experts manage, lease, buy, (re)develop, and sell bulk and regional distribution centers, light industrial, and other industrial facility types. In total, we own and have under development approximately 68.4 million square feet of industrial space as of September 30, 2022. For more information, please visit www.firstindustrial.com.

Media Contacts: If you would like more information about this project or Commercial Development Company or the First State Crossing project, please contact John Kowalik (314) 835-2813; jkowalik@cdcco.com.