According to a news release from state Sen. Vincent Fumo (D-Philadelphia), who was a key figure in negotiations that led to the new site, the $218.5-million project will occupy a 48.6-acre parcel of land, with another 15-acre parcel nearby to be used as a parking/staging area. The project's landlord, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, will receive $152.5 million of that total from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, according to a PRPA release.

As reported last week on GlobeSt.com, the deal calls for the PRPA to purchase 63 acres, build a 667,000 sf distribution facility and sign a 40-year lease enabling the relocation. Vendors will repay 100% of the grants and loans over the life of the 40-year lease, according to the PRPA.

Thirty-two vendors, many of whom are fourth- or fifth-generation produce distributors, will relocate from the current produce center at 3301 S. Galloway St. into the 68 units on the first floor of the new facility, Console says. A second floor will contain office space for the merchants, tenants and market associations. The new facility will feature 228 enclosed and fully refrigerated 50-foot wide dock areas, 40-foot ceiling heights, a skylight running the length and width of the building to provide natural lighting, a central walking concourse open to the public, 10 entrances to the building and one main entrance for the public, according to the PRPA. The project also includes an 18,000-sf auxiliary building for recycling pallets and food.