BROOKSHIRE, TX—E-commerce sales could hit $1.5 trillion by 2025, which would increase the demand for industrial real estate to an additional 1 billion square feet, according to JLL. Even before COVID-19 hit, e-commerce sales were increasing at a rapid rate and the pandemic accelerated this trend, further driving the need for additional industrial warehouse space. JLL expects the online shopping trend will continue long after the virus is contained.

Answering the call is Empire West Business Park, a 300-acre industrial development located 30 miles west of Houston. Stream Realty Partners is underway with site infrastructure including detention, roads, wastewater and water that will serve the entire development. Additionally, three speculative distribution buildings are under construction with a spring 2021 delivery date.

"We feel the timing could not be better given our location, the surge in e-commerce related warehouse demand and the Houston region's continued population growth, which recently eclipsed 7 million people. This growth is leading to a large increase in rooftops in west Houston, which leads to strong consumptive-based demand, and this is what drives warehouse absorption in our market," said Justin Robinson, partner with Stream's Houston office. "Empire West is uniquely situated with 5,000 feet of rare Interstate 10 and Highway 90 frontage with a dedicated east/west exit to the site. The first phase of the development will include three speculative buildings totaling 1 million square feet under three roofs. In addition, Stream will provide opportunities for built-to-suit deals and the ability to sell land to corporate end users."