ST. LOUIS—Industrial users are occupying new class A distribution space in this robust metro region as fast as developers can finish it. It's no surprise that Panattoni Development Co., Inc. has decided now is the time to launch a massive speculative industrial building at the Lakeview Commerce Center in the Metro East submarket. The company will begin construction on the 769,500 square-foot building this week and expects to complete it by the end of the year. Officials tell GlobeSt.com its 36' clear height will set it apart from the competing buildings, which have 32' ceilings.

JLL's Terry Stieve, managing director of industrial services, and Katie Haywood, vice president, represent ownership in the development and will act as its leasing agent. There currently are three buildings in the park, totalling 2.6 million square feet. Current tenants include Spectrum Brands, World Wide Technology, OHL and JF Electric.

“Lakeview Commerce Center has been a strong performer and continues to showcase the dominant position Panattoni has in this market,” says Stieve. “In this newest spec building they'll be leveraging the strength of the market—with no vacancy and an absence of competitive properties—and developing a state-of-the-art facility that is in great demand by today's warehouse and distribution users.”