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IMPERIAL VALLEY, CA-The US/Mexican border crossing in Calexico has a new major project in the pipeline that will add commercial, industrial and retail development to the area. A 600-acre site at the New Commercial Port of Entry, which is the largest international border crossing along the California/Mexico border, has been identified for a massive mixed-use project.IPED LLC, a San Diego-based developer has a master plan in place for the site that calls for 100 acres dedicated to retail, 78 acres set aside for an industrial center and another 116 acres earmarked for an entertainment and swap meet facility. The rest of the land would become a mix of commercial, retail and industrial space."The transportation corridors in the (Imperial) Valley, such as the new commercial border crossing and the addition of the new State Route 7 and its direct access to Interstate 8, are a great boost for all existing businesses and for new businesses looking to start operations in (the area)," says Chris Pascale, a senior vice president with CB Richard Ellis, who is helping to market the project.According to Pascale, the area, known as Gateway to the Americas, has been targeted lately for logistics firms, warehouses, light manufacturing and retailers, all of which drive the Imperial Valley economy. He adds that plans for a new commercial maritime port south of Ensenada would further drive traffic in the area.Phase I of the IPED's six-phase project is already underway. Known as the Maggio Industrial Center, the 570,000-sf project will include light industrial and distributionspace.Pimentel & Sons Inc., a logistics company, has agreed to a 120-month lease with IPED for just over 15 acres for a truck yard near the border. IPED officials expect "much of the industrial center's space to be filled by tenants who want to or currently do business with Mexico.