ALEXANDER COUNTY, NC (August 29, 2016) — The recently completed Alexander Railroad Shell Building has become the first “Certified” building in North Carolina, according to local economic development officials.
The Certified Industrial Building Program consists of a review by technical experts and includes a property condition assessment, environmental site assessment, title search, site selector review, and market area information. Undertaken by Creative Economic Development Consulting and ECS, Ltd., the program is intended to ensure potential buyers that the property is ready for development.
“During a site selection analysis, companies and consultants prioritize sites with the least amount of risk,” said Crystal Morphis, founder and CEO of Creative Economic Development Consulting. “The purpose of the Certified Industrial Building Program is to reduce the risk of purchase or redevelopment through a rigorous assessment and qualification process. The Alexander Railroad Shell Building is ideal for new and expanding companies. Our assessments found no concerns and the market review found a strong labor pool, specifically in the manufacturing sector.”
The 50,000 square foot Alexander Railroad Shell Building is a one-story, precast concrete building with 26’ eave heights and 40’ x 50’ bays. The speculative building is designed to attract new industry with rail service requirements to Alexander County. This building project is a partnership between Alexander Railroad Company and the Alexander County Economic Development Corporation, with financial support from the Alexander County Board of Commissioners. Alexander Railroad Company financed, constructed, and owns the building. Alexander County EDC will pay the non-construction costs, including permits, electrical, insurance, property taxes, and will be responsible for marketing the building.
This certification is offered by a private consulting firm and is not affiliated with the State of North Carolina or North Carolina Commerce. Now that the certification process is completed, the building is listed on the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s property database website and carries the “Certified Site” logo. Visit the database at: http://accessnc.commerce.state.nc.us/
Alexander Railroad Company President and General Manager Benjamin Zachary said the shell building is the next logical step for industrial growth in the county. “The Alexander Railroad Company Board of Directors took this step with the primary intent of creating new jobs and new rail traffic in the county,” Zachary said. “It’s our intent to continue to be a strong economic partner in Alexander County.”
The Alexander Industrial Park is located just off NC Hwy. 90 East. The 300-acre industrial park offers water, sewer, natural gas, and rail service. The industrial park is currently home to Paragon Films, Liberty Reload Services, and Craftmaster Furniture.
“Having quality product to offer, such as this shell building, is extremely critical to future success in creating new employment and tax base,” said EDC Director David Icenhour. “This is, without a doubt, one of the top sites in the state in terms of rail access and availability of water, sewer, natural gas, high-speed internet, and dependable electric service. The county has a very aggressive incentive policy, plus, it’s an aesthetically pleasing building located in a beautiful setting.”
To further the marketing effort, the EDC has created a dedicated website for the shell building: www.One-Rail-Of-A-Site.com. The website features aerial video footage as well as building specifications. In addition to marketing efforts by the Alexander EDC, the building is listed with The Stump Corporation, one of the leading industrial real estate companies serving a five-state region.
For more information about the Alexander Railroad Shell Building, visit the website, or contact Alexander County EDC Director David Icenhour at (828) 632-1161 or dicenhour@alexandercountync.gov; or Randy Stump or John Stump at randy@stumpnet.com, john@stumpnet.com, or 704-332-3535.