【World Property Journal】Industrial Building Construction Considered Essential During Coronavirus Shutdown

Global real estate consultant CBRE is reporting this week that despite economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, industrial construction is continuing in the majority of major U.S. markets.
 
CBRE's analysis found that construction has been deemed "essential" in 16 of the top 20 markets with industrial properties under construction. Only the I-78/81 Corridor, Philadelphia, Central New Jersey, and Oakland have shut down industrial construction. However, in New Jersey and Pennsylvania waivers can be granted distribution centers that will warehouse essential products.
 
Speculative construction projects have largely been put on hold as well, which will create a lack of first-generation space hitting the market in 2021. The lack of inventory growth could lower the overall vacancy rate back to pre-COVID levels in the latter part of 2021, assuming that business activity rebounds by the end of this year.
 
While construction continues, project timelines have been delayed and extended due to such challenges as completing onsite inspections, reduced construction crews due to social distancing guidelines and delays in procuring and transporting construction materials.

READ MORE