CASE STUDY / BRONX LOGISTICS CENTER
The Bronx Logistics Center
A Warehouse Construction Case Study
REDEFINING URBAN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Future of Urban Logistics
At a time when urban logistics face unprecedented challenges, the Bronx Logistics Center (BLC) stands as a landmark solution. This 1.3 million-square-foot, multi-story distribution hub represents one of New York City’s most ambitious industrial develops of the decade and signals a new approach to last-mile logistics in dense urban environments.
BLC transforms conventional warehouse design with a purpose-built structure that maximizes functionality in a confined urban setting. Developed through a strategic partnership between ARCO Design/Build and Turnbridge Equities, the center features:
- Two warehouse levels totaling 585,000 square feet
- 32-foot clear heights for efficient vertical storage
- Equal loading dock distribution across both floors
- 250,000 square feet of rooftop parking
- 700,000 square feet of additional parking and loading ramp space
- The East Coast’s first distribution center with LEED Platinum certification
Bronx Logistics Center
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
From the earliest planning stages, ARCO and Turnbridge Equities established a collaborative approach that enabled comprehensive solutions to complex challenges.
“We needed someone with deep industrial experience and creative enough to think outside the box,” explains Ryan Nelson, Managing Partner at Turnbridge Equities. “ARCO checked all the boxes. They brought deep industrial expertise and open-minded, creative design thinking that made this project possible.”
– Ryan Nelson, Managing Principal, Turnbridge Equities
This partnership delivered significant advantages:
- Early alignment on project goals and expectations
- Fixed pricing that gave Turnbridge confidence to acquire adjacent properties
- A shift from an irregular-shaped warehouse to a more functional logistics campus
- Advisory support that maximized the site’s potential
Planning the Vision
OVERCOMING URBAN CONSTRAINTS
The project faced multiple challenges that required innovative solutions:
Site Optimization
While Turnbridge initially owned 10 of the 15 acres, ARCO’s guidance led to the acquisition of five adjacent acres – a critical move that substantially increased the project’s scope and value. The tight urban lot demanded careful planning to maximize the building footprint while meeting New York City requirements.
Storm Management
The site’s history as a recycled aggregate facility created soil permeability issues that complicated compliance with strict NYC stormwater regulations. ARCO’s solution: an innovative rooftop rain collection system that utilized the solar panel structure to direct water to elevated planter boxes, allowing infiltration to occur above ground via plumbing lines.
Regulatory Navigation
New York City’s rigorous permitting process presented formidable hurdles. ARCO’s local design-build team leveraged their knowledge of city regulations and relationships with regulatory authorities throughout the approval process.
CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION
BLC’s construction featured several noteworthy innovations:
- A carefully engineered ramp system that took advantage of the site’s natural grade to provide a truck ramp at minimal slope maximizing functionality for tenants
- Modern precast panel installation techniques that enhance efficiency and quality
- Precise steel procurement strategies that optimized construction timelines
The project represented the largest permit filing by square foot in New York City in 2021, setting a new benchmark for industrial development in dense urban areas.
STRATEGIC LOCATION
Logistical Advantages
BLC’s location delivers exceptional logistical advantages:
- Five minutes from Manhattan
- Less than two miles from Hunts Point Cooperative Market and Hunts Point Produce Market
- Convenient access to four interstate highways
- Proximity to the East River’s barge systems
- Nearby freight rail station and multiple subway stops
This strategic positioning makes BLC a vital last-mile distribution hub supporting regional supply chains and the local economy.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP
BLC sets new standards for sustainable industrial development:
- 2.9-megawatt solar system with over 6,600 panels – one of New York City’s largest single solar initiatives
- LEED Platinum certification – the first for an East Coast distribution center
- Innovative stormwater management system
- Reduced energy consumption and carbon footprint
These features align with New York’s climate goals while providing operational cost savings.
MEASURABLE RESULTS
Cost Savings
By implementing innovative rigid inclusions instead of traditional pilings, the project achieved approximately 50% cost reduction in foundation work while maintaining structural integrity.
Risk Mitigation
Early strategic partnership between ARCO and Turnbridge provided cost certainty and expert guidance, enabling confidence decision-making and secure funding partnerships throughout the project lifecycle.
Strategic Site Optimization
ARCO’s guidance led to the acquisition of five additional adjacent acres, substantially increasing the project’s scope and transforming an irregular-shaped warehouse into a more functional logistics campus.
Environmental Leadership
The 2.9-megawatt solar system and innovative stormwater management solutions helped secure LEED Platinum certification – the first for an East Coast distribution center – while reducing long-term operations costs.
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 represents more than a building – it’s a blueprint for the future of urban industrial development. As cities grow denser and e-commerce demands intensify, BLC’s innovative approach to space utilization, sustainability, and functionality offers a compelling model for maximizing logistics efficiency in constrained urban environments.
By reimagining what’s possible in urban industrial design, ARCO and Turnbridge have created a landmark facility that meets today’s needs while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.
CONNECT WITH OUR EXPERTS
Contact ARCO
Ready to explore innovative solutions for your next industrial project? ARCO Design/Build’s team specializes in tackling complex urban logistics challenges with creativity and technical excellence.
Contact us to discuss how our design-build approach can deliver value for your development:
Jim Wyatt
Vice President
ARCO Design/Build New York
jwyatt@arcodb.com
914.336.1997
Visit arcodb.com/Bronx-logistics-center to learn more about this project and explore our portfolio of industrial solutions.
