CASE STUDY / BRONX LOGISTICS CENTER
Bronx Logistics Center
A Warehouse Construction Case Study
Inside the Bronx Logistics Center
The Future of Urban Logistics
Located in the heart of the Bronx, the Bronx Logistics Center (BLC) has emerged as a symbol of innovation and resilience. ARCO Design/Build (ARCO), in partnership with Turnbridge Equities, led the design and construction of this 1.3 million-square-foot, multi-story warehouse, one of New York City’s largest and most thoughtfully designed industrial developments. This ambitious project not only meets the growing demands of urban logistics but also transforms industrial development in densely populated areas.
Bronx Logistics Center
Partnership with Turnbridge Equities
ARCO’s collaboration with Turnbridge Equities, a vertically integrated real estate investment advisor and developer, was crucial for the Bronx Logistic Center’s success. By leveraging the design-build approach, ARCO and Turnbridge ensured seamless collaboration, maximizing the project’s potential.
“We needed someone (a) with deep industrial experience and (b) someone creative enough to think outside the box to both address tenant’s needs and to address the issues that arise in multi-story. ARCO checked all the boxes. From the standpoint of deep, deep industrial experience – you’ve got individuals at the firm that are open-minded and incredibly creative with the design and how to implement it into what we want to do and what we ended up doing.”
– Ryan Nelson, Managing Principal, Turnbridge Equities
ARCO shaped the conceptual design by providing early advisory support, creating a versatile, speculative building to attract diverse tenants. The resulting design – traditional logistics campus – proved more efficient and adaptable than the initially considered irregular-shaped warehouse. ARCO’s commitment to fixed pricing gave Turnbridge the confidence to invest in adjacent properties, optimizing the project’s overall value.
“What we’re offering here as far as the deliverable for our client and the functional space for the tenant is unrivaled in the marketplace.”
– Jim Wyatt, Vice President, ARCO Design/Build
The BLC is the largest industrial project of this decade and the first warehouse on the East Coast to achieve LEED Platinum designation. This achievement highlights ARCO’s dedication to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that exceed client expectations.
Planning the Vision
Unraveling the Project
Originally conceived as a consolidation of several parcels, ARCO created multiple design concepts with detailed pricing options, giving Turnbridge a clear and comprehensive understanding of the project’s value. Designed as a multi-tenant speculative building, the BLC caters to a range of tenants and supports local infrastructure, including the Hunts Point Cooperative Market and numerous last-mile distribution centers.
The final construction covers approximately 1.3 million square feet, distributed across two warehouse levels with 250,000-square-foot floor plates and a 40,000-square-foot mezzanine. The 32-foot clear heights provide ample vertical space for storage and operations. The facility’s extensive parking and loading infrastructure – 250,000 square feet of rooftop parking and 700,000 square feet for additional parking and loading ramps – set a new standard for urban logistics.
Unique Challenges
The project faced several unique challenges that required careful navigation and solutions. Site complexities were among the initial hurdles, but ARCO and Turnbridge conducted thorough due diligence to maximize the potential of the existing location. Although Turnbridge owned 10 of the 15 acres prior to ARCO’s involvement, ARCO’s strategic guidance led to the acquisition of the adjacent five acres, enabling the development to reach its full potential. Additionally, the site’s tight lot and the goal of positioning the building close to the sidewalk to maximize the footprint presented further logistical challenges. These were met with strategic planning to optimize space utilization while adhering to local regulations and community considerations.
During the due diligence phase, soil permeability issues were discovered, which posed significant challenges for complying with New York City’s strict stormwater management regulations. Given the site’s history as a recycled aggregate facility, the existing materials and soils were not conducive to natural infiltration. To address this, ARCO’s team of experts designed an innovative rooftop rain collection system. By utilizing the structure of the solar panels, rainwater was collected and directed to planter boxes at roof height, allowing infiltration to occur above ground via plumbing lines. This creative approach not only met the regulatory requirements but also enhanced the environmental sustainability of the development.
Navigating New York City’s stringent permitting processes presented yet another layer of complexity. ARCO’s local, design-build project management team played a pivotal role in facilitating seamless coordination between various stakeholders, including government agencies and regulatory bodies. Our local knowledge proved invaluable in understanding city regulations and building strong relationships with key decision-makers, ultimately ensuring the timely acquisition of necessary approvals and permits.
One of the project’s most notable challenges was the need for an electric substation within the building. This requirement added significant complexity to the design and construction phases, necessitating meticulous coordination with Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the largest energy companies in the country, and other local utility providers. ARCO’s proactive problem-solving approach and expertise in utility coordination ensured successful resolution and progress, mitigating potential delays and ensuring the project remained on track.
Innovation in Design and Construction
The BLC features a groundbreaking multi-story design, setting a standard for urban logistics. The equal allocation of loading dock space on both floors optimizes space and operational efficiency. ARCO’s careful planning minimized elevation differences and ensured smooth vehicle access with a gradual ramp.
Modern construction techniques, such as precast panel installation and precise steel procurement, optimized efficiency and quality. Representing the largest permit filing by square footage in New York City in 2021, the BLC sets a new benchmark for industrial development in dense urban areas.
Significance to the Surrounding Area
Supporting the Local Community
Strategically located near Manhattan and major airports, the BLC enhances multi-modal transportation capabilities and is a crucial logistics hub. Serving as a last-mile urban logistics center, the BLC directly supports the local economy by facilitating distribution efforts with nearby Hunts Point Cooperative Market and Hunts Point Product Market, just two miles away.
Environmental Impact
With a 2.9-megawatt solar system with over 6,600 panels, the BLC is one of New York City’s largest single solar initiatives. The building’s LEED Platinum certification and solar design align with ambitious climate goals, demonstrating ARCO’s commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious development.
Results and Impact
The Arco Advantage
Through a combination of strategic cost-saving measures, proactive risk mitigation strategies, and expertise in design-build project management, ARCO delivered exceptional value through:
Cost Savings
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Risk Mitigation
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Optimized Schedule
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Customer Experience
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ARCO’s holistic approach, leveraging creative, design-build solutions, delivered tangible results and substantial value for the client. From cost savings to optimized schedules and exceptional customer experience, our wavering commitment to excellence sets a standard for design-build excellence in the industry.
The Future of Urban Logistics
The Bronx Logistics Center is a testament to innovation and excellence in industrial design and construction. ARCO’s dedication to quality and problem-solving has set a new standard for urban logistics, leaving a lasting legacy in the heart of the Bronx.
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The Design-Build Methodology
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