Jacksonville Unveils $39 Million Development Project with New Food Storage Facility

Jacksonville Launches Major Development with New Storage Facility

Jacksonville, FL – In a significant move for the local economy, the city has issued permits for a combined total of $39 million in new construction projects. The first permit, granted on December 2, allows for a $37 million cold and dry foods storage warehouse and office facility for The Anderson-DuBose Co., while a second permit for a $2 million trailer maintenance and service station followed just two days later on December 4.

Project Overview

The development will take place at 4125 Cisco Drive W. within the Westlake Industrial Park, located in Northwest Jacksonville. The total project area encompasses approximately 33 acres, with plans for two buildings, one measuring 153,136 square feet and another at 9,502 square feet.

Background and Development Goals

The city first engaged with The Anderson-DuBose Co. in March, during which it was designated as Project Bobcat. The company applied for city incentives to support its plans for developing a facility projected to cost around $60 million. As of now, JAXUSA Partnership, the economic development division of JAX Chamber, has confirmed that this facility will be a key hub for food distribution in the Southeastern U.S.

The approved site work, conducted in June and July, included preparations for horizontal development, utilities, and grading. The property is owned by JI Westlake 160 LLC, led by VanTrust Real Estate. A $1.5 million Recapture Enhanced Value Grant was also awarded by the Jacksonville City Council to facilitate development of the 120,000-square-foot facility.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

Anderson-DuBose is expected to create at least 85 jobs directly related to the new facility, with projections suggesting that number could rise to 109 positions by the end of 2028. The anticipated annual payroll for these jobs is expected to exceed $5.5 million, resulting in an average salary of approximately $50,500 per job.

Timeline for Completion

The current plans indicate a completion date for the entire project by December 2026. Anderson-DuBose has a storied history, dating back to 1991 when it began with a McDonald’s distribution center in Cleveland. It has since expanded its operations, now classifying itself as Ohio’s largest minority-owned business.

Distribution Network and Future Plans

From its new Jacksonville center, Anderson-DuBose plans to serve over 300 restaurant locations throughout the Southeast, supplying food and paper products primarily to McDonald’s and Chipotle Mexican Grill establishments. Furthermore, the facility will have direct access to rail freight services, anticipated to generate more than 160 carloads of freight for Norfolk Southern annually.

The company’s investment and expansion will not only bolster local job opportunities but also enhance Jacksonville’s position as a logistics hub in the region. The city’s strategic location and partnerships make it an ideal site for such extensive development, promising benefits for both the local job market and the economy overall.