In recent weeks, IDI also disclosed plans to start work in March on a 672,678-sf cross-dock building, one of four distribution centers in a 128-acre first phase for a 3.4-million-sf plan on 204 acres in North Tarrant County. IDI's Speedway Distribution Center is north of Hillwood's AllianceTexas along Interstate 35W and just miles from the proposed Port 35 North.

"I think it will complement Alliance more than compete with them," Ratliff tells GlobeSt.com. She foresees Port 35 North as being a conduit and possibly a less-costly alternative for companies that want air service, but don't necessarily rely on as many do at AllianceTexas. And, she adds there already have been discussions about through-the-fence access for IDI's airport-abutting land.She also points out that the IDI site is strategically positioned at the split of Interstate 35W and 35E, putting Dallas, Fort Worth, Oklahoma and all points north within reach for the trucking industry.

"This is all very exciting," Dickson says. "There's a lot of synergy going on. And, there are huge chunks of land being gobbled up on the west side of Interstate 35 W and the north side of US Hwy. 288."

Ratliff, though, realizes there is a long way to go before ground breaks. If the master plan is submitted in the near future, it could still be one year before IDI is ready to push dirt. But she, like industrial brokers, believes the commitment is firm. "I have a very good feeling that it's going to move forward," she tells GlobeSt.com.

IDI's Doug Johnson, vice president and regional development office in Dallas, is traveling, but has e-mailed a comment about IDI's interest in developing Port 35 North. "IDI considers this a prime location to serve the future needs in Dallas/Fort Worth," he writes. "The business park will provide direct access to Interstate 35 East and Interstate 35 West as well as the rising container activity at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe intermodal facility down the street and the ever-growing population base along the Dallas North Tollway."