Devon USA wants to build a new warehouse in Chesterfield County

 Devon USA announced plans Wednesday for a 320,853 square-foot warehouse facility at James River Logistics Center in Chesterfield County.

The project, dubbed “Project Lightning 2, ” would be identical in size and scope to a building developed by Devon in 2017 at Enterchange at Northlake in Ashland that was later leased by Amazon.com.  That project was completed in 6 months following the start of construction, and, was the largest industrial transaction in the Richmond market last year, according to Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer.  

Site plans for the new project in Chesterfield County have been approved. However, Devon is working with Ashland-based McKinney & Co. to modify the existing plan for re-submission to Chesterfield County based on its “Project Lightning” prototype.  At this time, the Richmond-based company does not have a tenant lined up. “It’s a spec project.  We have had lots of interest, but we don’t have anyone who has committed to the building. But its enough interest that the owner is convinced that it’s a good time to do the project,” says Evan Magrill, an executive vice president for Thalhimer.

The project would be located in the Bermuda District, which is represented by Dorothy Jaeckle, chairman of the county’s Board of Supervisors. “I would like to thank Devon for their continued investment in Chesterfield County. The proposed new development will add the type of product that is currently in short supply in the region,” Jaeckle said in a statement.” We are anxious to see the building developed so that we can attract the kind of high quality national tenants that typically lease these buildings.”

James River Logistics Center is located about 12 miles south of Richmond on Bellwood Road. Devon completed two buildings at the center in 2002 that are 100% leased.  A third building would close out the center, and boost the total square footage to 1.1 million square feet of distribution space.

The new building would offer 32’ clear ceiling heights, a sprinkler system, eight drive-in doors, and 96 truck-height dock doors. Sustainable building design also is planned with skylights, R-30 roof insulation and LED lighting.  Parking will be provided for up to 467 automobiles and 64 trailers.  There is enough space for the building to be expanded to 500,000 square feet, depending on a tenant’s needs.

The park has access to I-95 and I-895 via US Route 1. Its current zoning (heavy industrial) allows for many commercial and industrial uses including office, warehouse, and manufacturing.

Thalhimer’s Magrill and Dean Meyer would be the new building’s exclusive leasing representatives.