A Guide To Super Sites in the American South

Part One

By Trisha Ostrowski and Lee Burlett

Alabama Super Sites

Interstate 59 Site
Ashville, Alabama

The Interstate 59 site was looked at by Honda officials before that company's site searchers chose another tract in Talladega County, Ala., for a minivan plant that is currently under construction. This site has 1,870 acres available for one user, yet subdivision of the site is negotiable. The site's location is between U.S. Highway 11 and I-59 (two miles of interstate frontage), one mile southwest of the city limits of Ashville. Ashville is located about 30 miles northeast of Birmingham.

While electricity is available on the site, gas, sewerage and water mains are located two miles from the site. Norfolk Southern provides a mainline rail at the southern portion of the site that parallels Interstate 59. The general terrain of the site is level and soil tests have been completed.

Acres: 1,870
Unique characteristics: Rail, two miles of interstate frontage
Suited for: Large manufacturing plants, including automotive

Northeast Opelika Industrial Park
Opelika, Alabama

This 1,900-acre site was the bridesmaid in the recent Nissan site search. Of course, that project landed just north of Jackson, Miss., near Canton. However, to place second in a site search by Nissan for a new $930 million automotive plant should tell you something about this southeast Alabama super site. The park is situated on Interstate 85 only 15 minutes away from Auburn University, home to over 22,000 students, 4,100 of which are involved in engineering studies. Southern Union State is only five minutes from the new industrial park. Atlanta Hartsfield International is only an hour and 15 minutes away.

Acres: 1,900
Unique characteristics: Rail, interstate frontage
Suited for: Large manufacturing (including automotive), distribution, electronics

Alabama Riverfront Super Site Shouldn't Be Overlooked

Barton Riverfront Industrial Park
Colbert County, Alabama

One of the problems you may encounter regarding a super site is multiple ownership of the property. You won't have that problem with the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park. Formerly known as the Barton site, this 1,600-acre tract on the Tennessee River in Northwest Alabama is owned exclusively by the Shoals Economic Development Authority.

The Barton site has had numerous environmental studies completed and no impediments to manufacturing have been found. The utility infrastructure is remarkable. There is a Tennessee Valley Authority electric power plant on the site. There are multiple natural gas suppliers serving the site with 30" and 36" lines. In regards to water, one 8" line exists on the property with an 18" line within 1,000 feet of the site. A 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank is under construction as is a 2.5 mgd potable water treatment plant. Design engineering and permitting for a wastewater treatment plant on the site is in the works as well.

This site features mainline rail service (Norfolk Southern) adjacent to the site, the Tennessee River along its northern boundary (9-foot navigable channel), and four-lane U.S. Highway 72 at the southern boundary. An improved four-lane access road to the park is in final engineering stages.

For more information on the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park circle No. 196 on the Reader Service Card or contact Forrest Wright at 256-764-0351.

Acres: 1,600
Unique characteristics: Rail, waterfront, with electric power plant on site.
Suited for: Large manufacturing and heavy industry such as paper or steel

Arkansas Super Sites

Little Rock Port Authority
Little Rock, Arkansas

This super site located at the Port of Little Rock is as fine a heavy industry site as you will find in the South. Up to 1,800 acres are available and all utilities with industrial capacities are in place. This site has many logistic amenities. Rail, interstate, airport and water transportation are all on site or nearby. For barge users, the site is the only one left in Central Arkansas where a private docking facility can be built.

Acres: 1,800
Unique characteristics: All forms of transportation can be accessed from the site
Suitable for: Heavy industry (steel, automotive), large distribution and assembly projects

Railport Industrial Park
Marion, Arkansas

Railport Industrial Park is made up of 2,000 acres of privately-owned land in an area that has been designated solely for industrial use. It is protected by restrictive covenants designed to preserve the appearance and value of existing and potential properties. The site offers access to Interstates 40 (two miles away) and 55 (three miles away) as well as two U.S. highways and two state highways. Memphis International Airport and its Federal Express hub is 16 miles to the southeast; West Memphis Municipal Airport is five miles to the south; the Port of West Memphis (Mississippi River) is eight miles to the south; the Port of Memphis is 14 miles to the southeast. Both Union Pacific and Burlington Northern main lines are easily accessible (a BNSF intermodal terminal is five miles from the park). A rail spur access is possible on the site. All utilities are in place.

Acres: 2,000
Unique characteristics: Excellent infrastructure (especially rail) with Memphis' FedEx hub 16 miles away
Suited for: Large warehouse/distribution, break bulk and packaging, light assembly

Industrial Site PARA004
Paragould, Arkansas

Located in northeastern Arkansas, this 700 acre site's greatest attribute is the presence of two major electrical transmission grids. The property is in the service area of the locally owned Paragould City Light, Water and Cable, which provides water, sewer, electrical, cable and high speed communication services. Current rates for industrial electric service is 3.474 cents per kwh, which includes all taxes. If you are a large user of power, you will recognize immediately your cost savings.

All environmental clearances have been secured on this site including a Phase One investigation. The site is bounded on the entire western side by Union Pacific's mainline. U.S. Highway 49 is on the east boundary and Interstate 55 is 60 miles to the east of the site. The site is served by a 12" water main, a 12" sewer main and a 4" gas main. The site is owned by the Paragould Chamber of Commerce and is priced at $7,500 to $10,000 an acre.

Acres: 799
Unique characteristics: High capacity, low cost power. Rail
Suited for: Heavy industry

Florida Super Sites

An Excellent Super Site in the Tallahassee Area

Southwood
Tallahassee, Florida

If your search includes finding a campus-style site in a market that boasts a sizable technical labor pool, look no further than Tallahassee, Fla. Tallahassee is a market with a wealth of potential, albeit one that is just now being discovered by the corporate world. The Tallahassee MSA has recently received some positive press. People magazine ranked it in the Top 3 in its Most Livable City promotion and Forbes magazine cited Florida's Capital City as the 37th Best Place to do Business out of 200 metro areas. And with St. Joe Co.'s plans to develop more real estate product in this market, look for Tallahassee to be on many more site search short lists in the near future.

In this market, you have an excellent super site to choose from. Southwood, is located in Tallahassee along Capital Circle, south of U.S. 27 and 10 miles south of Interstate 10 in Leon County. The location is 4.5 miles from the State Capitol. The Tallahassee Regional Airport, with air service provided by Delta, Northwest and USAir, is six miles to the southwest.

Situated among the stately oaks of Tallahassee, Southwood is a 3,200-acre, all-inclusive, master-planned community with residential, commercial, retail and light industrial tracts. The largest tract for commercial or light industrial projects is 250 acres. All utilities are either on-site or contiguous to the site and can be configured to match user demand. The City of Tallahassee provides water, sewer and electric service. Gas service is provided by Florida Gas and fiber is available from a variety of providers. By the way, on-site video conferencing services will be made available to all Southwood tenants. Another amenity worth mentioning is a Fred Couples designed 18-hole Championship Golf Course, which will be completed in 2002.

Southwood is well positioned to tap into the sizable Tallahassee labor pool, which offers thousands of programmers and technically trained workers. The campuses of both Florida State University and Florida A&M University offer the opportunity to recruit thousands of graduates annually in key fields.

Kay Stephenson, co-founder and president of Datamaxx Applied Technologies, Inc. a software company that provides 24/7 mission-critical data to law enforcement agencies from around the country, will be Southwood's first tenant. She is currently building a 33,000-square-foot facility at the site. Ms. Stephenson views her decision to locate in Southwood as an investment, because she points out "beauty creates value." She also stresses the uniqueness of the Southwood environment and adds "many of my employees are excited about the opportunity to live, work, shop and play all in one place."

While virtually any large user would find Southwood desirable, given the site's proximity to the airport, downtown, abundant new housing and unique community features, this site lends itself to large campus-style users, particularly companies requiring a large number of young, technically trained employees.

For more information on Southwood, circle No. 326 on the Reader Service Card or call Nathan Sparks at 850-914-6161.

Acres: (Southwood) 3,200 (250 for one user)
Unique characteristics: Designed to be a world-class, master-planned community
Suited for: Large campus-style operations

Cecil Commerce Center
Jacksonville, Florida

Cecil Commerce Center is the site of the former Cecil Field Naval Air Station, which closed in September of 1999. Total air station property consists of 17,000 acres, which is being conveyed to the City of Jacksonville pursuant to a base reuse plan.

Sites at Cecil range from 25 to 1,000 acres. Utility infrastructure is impressive, including 74.88 mgd of water capacity and high capacity electric service suited for large industrial users.

Acres: 1,000 for a single user
Unique characteristics: Airport/former navy base site, all environmental permitting completed for industrial use
Suited for: Aerospace/aviation, semiconductor, general manufacturing

A Super Site Located Where the Action Is

Polk Commerce Centre
Polk County, Florida

Located along Interstate 4 midway between Tampa and Orlando, Polk Commerce Centre is an ideal venue for commercial entities that need to be where the action is in Central Florida. An estimated 7.5 million consumers reside within a 100-mile radius of this business park, which is situated on I-4 north of Auburndale, Fla.

The 2,053-acre site is designed and approved for a wide range of uses, including electronic manufacturing, light industrial, distribution, warehousing and office. The center offers direct access to I-4 and the newly completed Polk Parkway, as well as County Roads 559 and 655. Polk Commerce Centre is just 10 miles from Lakeland, 34 miles from Orlando and 40 miles from Tampa.

In addition to a prime location, Polk Commerce Centre is served by city water, sewer, natural gas and electricity. Water capacity is nine million gallons per day and sewer capacity is 2.5 million gallons per day. Tampa Electric serves the property with a 230/69KV switching station located less than a mile from the site. The site is approved under the Polk County Comprehensive Plan and a DRI has been secured.

"Polk Commerce Centre offers a superb location for manufacturers, distributors and similar ventures wishing to serve the rapidly-growing Florida market. It is unquestionably one of the best sites available in all of Central Florida, said Ken Lippincott, president of the East Polk County Committee of 100, an agency responsible for commercial growth in the eastern park of Polk County. The Committee of 100 can assist prospects of the park with financing, permitting, manpower and training.

For more information on Polk Commerce Centre, circle No. 233 on the Reader Service Card or call Ken Lippincott at 863-298-6136 or Ron Morrow at 863-294-9454.

Acres: 2,053
Unique characteristics: Located between Tampa and Orlando on I-4
Suited for: Large distribution, electronics, warehousing, campus projects

Sebring Regional Airport and Industrial Park
Highlands County, Florida

Here is an established park with future plans that make it one of the finest super sites in all of Florida. The Sebring Regional Airport cut the ribbon on a new terminal and a variety of infrastructure improvements in December. There are plans for a new 9,000-foot-long runway, which would accommodate most any kind of aircraft. And there are also plans to acquire 1,000 additional acres for industrial development at the airport. This airport site is also home to Sebring International Raceway. Maybe you've heard of the 12 Hours of Sebring International Grand Prix of Endurance.

In the meantime though, even without the planned expansion, this is an excellent site for large users. Of the 1,770 acres in the existing industrial park, 1,200 remain available for development. The largest parcel for a single user is 600 acres.

Infrastructure at the site is impressive. CSX Transportation maintains a newly refurbished industrial rail spur that runs directly to the industrial park. The park is served by a 69kV transmission line. The airport has its own water and wastewater facilities. The park is served by three wells and is completely self-sufficient. Water lines in the park range in size from six to 16 inches.

This multi-modal facility with airfield access has a lot going for it for large users. In regards to labor, it's location, in central Florida 90 miles from Tampa, is in close proximity to over 7,000,000 people.

For more information on the Sebring Airport and Industrial Park, circle No. 327 on the Reader Service Card or contact Jim Stanfill at 863-385-1025.

Acres: 1,200 (600 for a single user)
Unique characteristics: Airport, rail
Suited for: Aviation/aerospace, large manufacturing

Georgia Super Sites

Technology Ridge
Cherokee County, Georgia

If you don't have a foothold yet in Metro Atlanta, but plan to get one in the next couple of years, take a look at Technology Ridge, located about 40 minutes north of downtown Atlanta in Cherokee County. While this super site is not ready for occupancy (infrastructure will be completed within two years), Technology Ridge has the potential to be Atlanta's premiere high-tech location for the next five to six years. The park will encompass 627 acres and is being modeled after the highly successful Johns Creek Park, which is located in Fulton County and south Forsyth County in Metro Atlanta.

Plans for the development, which totals 1,900 acres, include a 300-acre reservoir/lake in the center of the 627-acre business park and a 900-acre residential development. It is anticipated that the park will contain a satellite campus for Appalachian Technical College. The park borders I-575 in the city of Canton. The right-of-way for the "Northern Arc" (a.k.a. Outer Perimeter) - a proposed limited access toll-way connecting east-west across the north Atlanta suburbs from I-75 to I-85 - bounds the southern limits of the park. If you're mapping out a site in Atlanta in the near future, this park is certainly one to check out.

For more information on Technology Ridge, circle No. 328 on the Reader Service Card or contact Sherry Wilburn at 770-345-0611.

Acres: 627
Unique characteristics: Located in highly attractive north Atlanta MSA
Suited for: High-tech, campus-style projects

Kansas Super Sites

Kansas City Area Development Council Site
Desoto, Kansas

On the fringe of suburban Kansas City are 320 contiguous acres currently under option by the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC). Located in Desoto, the site is directly on an "interstate type" four-lane divided highway, Kansas Highway 10. This roadway links Johnson County with Douglas County, home of the University of Kansas. Along with serving as a link between metropolitan and academic, the route is also emerging as a high-tech corridor, anchored by the presence of a major Honeywell facility.

The site was originally acquired for potential use as a semiconductor site. Although in the early stages of development, plans are in place for extensive infrastructure to meet the needs of high impact, technology-driven industry. For water, plans are being laid to tie into a nearby decommissioned army facility, which will provide 10 mgd to the site. Another significant benefit, the site has a single owner and is completely under the control of the development group.

Acres: 320
Unique characteristics: Located in suburban Kansas City
Suited for: Semiconductor, technology-intensive industry

Kentucky Super Sites

In Warren County, one-half mile east of Bowling Green is Kentucky TriModal Transpark, with an enormous 6,369 acres. The largest tract for a single user is 1,719 acres. The biggest advantage of the TriModal Transpark is that it is served by three distinct modes of transportation. The site is bordered by U.S. Highway 31W on the north, with Highway 69 passing directly through the site. The new I-65 east-west corridor is expected to border the property's southern end as well. In addition, CSX rail passes through the site. To further enhance the appeal, Bowling Green's city airport is relocating to the Transpark.

Complete infrastructure is already in place at the park, including a four-inch gas line, electricity as well as eight-inch water and sewer lines. When fully developed, this site will offer an upscale business and commerce park atmosphere with underground utilities and abundant green space.

Acres: 6,369 (1,719 for a single user)
Unique characteristics: Three modes of transportation, including rail, air and road. Onsite training center
Suited for: Automotive plant, high-tech, electronics, pharmaceuticals, large distribution

Louisiana Super Sites

The Port of Shreveport-Bossier
Shreveport, Louisiana

Located in northwest Louisiana on the navigable Red River is the Port of Shreveport-Bossier, a fast growing multi-modal inland transportation and distribution center. The Port's proximity to Interstates 20 and 49 as well as the proposed Interstate 69, along with rail, water and air access, make this 2,000 acres super site worth a look for large manufacturers and distributors. Regarding distribution, UPS ranks Shreveport-Bossier among the top five cities in the country capable of reaching the largest segments of the population with next day service. Nearly 30 million people and some of the South's strongest consumer markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, are within one day's reach by motor freight.

Cargoes handled at the port include liquids, aggregate, steel and coal, among other products. The 2,000-acre site includes a Foreign Trade Zone, Customs Port of Entry and an Economic Development Zone. The site features industrial capacity water and sewer, two general cargo wharves, three liquid cargo wharves, connection to Union Pacific mainline railroad, a roll on/roll off ramp, and paved roads to all available sites. In addition, a 500-megawatt power plant is planned to provide competitive electric rates to the Port's current and potential customer base.

Acres: 2,000
Unique characteristics: Rail, water and air access; proposed power plant
Suited for: Large distribution and manufacturing, especially chemicals and steel

Maryland Super Sites

Triangle Industrial Park
Brandywine, Maryland

Here is a heavy industrial site with adjacent CSX rail. Located in Brandywine, Md., this site features 225 acres that could accommodate a 1.6 million square foot contiguous facility. Brandywine is located just southeast of Washington, D.C., just off U.S. 301 and State Route 5 (six lane divided highway).

Immediately adjacent to the site is a $221 million co-generation electric power plant that's been operational since 1997. Brandywine has over one mile of CSX rail frontage for multiple sidings. The site has a completed Phase I audit and is clean. Interstate 95 is 10 miles from the site.

Acres: 225
Unique characteristics: Rail, power plant on site
Suited for: Heavy industry

Mississippi Super Sites

The New Industrial Park
Meridian, Mississippi

Meridian's newest industrial park totals 643 acres located at the intersection of Interstates 20 & 59 and U.S. Highway 45. The site consists of approximately 511 acres of developable land in a highly visible area. The park is in the earliest stages of development. Flour Daniel Consulting designed the park, which is served by Norfolk Southern rail.

This park features an excellent location considering it's adjacent to where two interstates meet. In addition, there are four Class 1 railroads serving Meridian. A rail spur through the park from the Norfolk Southern mainline is proposed.

Acres: 511
Unique characteristics: Rail, located at intersection of two interstates.
Suited for: Large distribution and manufacturing

Missouri Super Sites

Kansas City International Airport Site

The Kansas City Area Development Council is developing an excellent site on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metro area. The site offers 260 contiguous acres, located on the grounds of the Kansas City International Airport. The proximity to the airport can provide major benefits to industries that rely on air cargo or ship or receive goods such as electronics companies, automotive and numerous others. KCI is the largest cargo traffic airport in a six state region.

Acres: 260
Unique characteristics: Located on airport land
Suited for: Electronics, automotive and other companies that rely on air cargo

North Carolina Super Sites

Burton Industrial Park
Onslow County, North Carolina

Located in Jacksonville, N.C., in the eastern portion of the state, this super site has some unique amenities. For one, there is a riverside recreation area, with corporate boat slips. From the site, it's a 20-minute boat ride to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

The 725-acre park features some impressive utility infrastructure. The county provides water at the site via 10" and 6" lines and sewer through 12" and 8" lines connected to the city of Jacksonville Land Application Wastewater Treatment System, which is the second largest in the USA. Gas and electricity are also in place on site.

Burton Industrial Park has made application to be a "Certified Industrial Park" through the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Global Transpark Region. The park is also recognized by NC DOC as a super site because all 725 acres are available for a single user.

Acres: 725
Unique characteristics: Waterfront
Suited for: Large manufacturing

Signature Site
Fayetteville/Cumberland County, North Carolina

In a tight labor market, the 865-acre Signature Site in Fayetteville, N.C., has unique advantages for large employment manufacturing operations. A supplemental labor force of 8,000 to 10,000 military separations annually from nearby Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, and with 30,000 civilian active job applicants on file with the Employment Security Commission, the Fayetteville area enjoys a very favorable staffing environment. It also enjoys an excellent location midway on the Atlantic Seaboard between New York and Miami, making the area attractive for manufacturing and distribution operations seeking a central distribution point.

But what kind of super site is Signature? The Fayetteville Area Economic Development Corporation is working with the North Carolina Department of Commerce to identify the Signature Site as the first "certified mega-site" in North Carolina. This certification process assures prospects that the site has met specific state-level assessments for all location criteria from environmental, geotechnical, engineering, utility, land acquisition, labor and training needs. Already, the Fayetteville EDC has completed much of this assessment for large process-oriented and vehicle assembly operations that have reviewed the property.

The site offers excellent visibility from adjacent Interstate 95. An interchange is located less than one-mile east of the property. Signature has full utility service with electrical power from three potential suppliers depending on the point of entry. Water, sewer and gas capacities are industrial strength and are soon to be improved beyond that. In addition, telecommunication infrastructure exceeds that of many communities due to the requirement by the U.S. military for state-of-the-are communication. Various suppliers provide T1 and DSL service.

CSX Railroad has identified a corridor to serve rail south of the site. Norfolk Southern and A&R Railroad serve other site in Cumberland County. With the identification of 325 acres to the south of the Signature Site and 107 acres to the northwest, potential suppliers to a major manufacturing operation may be located in the same utility-rich environment.

The Signature Site has less than a two percent slope, minimizing grading and construction costs. The site is level with a gentle slope, with elevations ranging from 90 to 100 feet. There is no 100-year floodplain impact on the site and wetlands are less than 15 acres.

If what you are looking for is a true-to-form super site, Signature is it. This site is a perfect fit for a large manufacturer. The attractive labor situation, as a result of the site's proximity to two major military installations, is a plus. Furthermore, the site is within a State Development Zone, a classification that provides greater job tax advantages for qualifying companies. Yet, more than anything, this is a do-all site. Since rail is planned but not at the site as of yet, this could qualify as an excellent semiconductor site. A wide range of large users can take advantage of this site.

For more information on the Signature Site, circle No. 336 on the Reader Service Card or contact Harry Whalen at 910-483-3408.

Acres: 865.26 (with 325-acre and 107-acre contiguous tracts available)
Unique characteristics: State certification in progress. Large labor pool. Three sources of electric power. Multi-use
Suited for: All large acreage users, including vehicle assembly, semiconductors, plastics, chemicals and steel

Oklahoma Super Sites

Tri-City Industrial Park
Newcastle, Oklahoma

Located on Interstate 44 only 15 miles from downtown Oklahoma City, Tri-City Industrial Park features over 600 acres in one section of the park that's available for a single large user. The park is served with city water, sanitary sewer, natural gas, two electric providers, the latest in phone service and has access to the City of Oklahoma City's 60-inch water main. Duke Energy is finishing up the construction of a 500-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant in the park.

The Tri-City Industrial Park has more than mere location going for it. It also has room for sufficient parking, high visibility, high traffic counts and substantial tax incentives. Parts of the incentives are employment tax credits on wages and an accelerated depreciation allowance for certain business properties within an Indian reservation.

Acres: Over 600
Unique characteristics: Mature site with easy access to major market
Suited for: Large manufacturing, distribution

Osage Hills Site
Osage County, Oklahoma

Located in Metro Tulsa, Osage Hills will be a suitable site (when completed) for most semiconductor and campus-style projects. Two hundred acres are available for one user at the Osage Hills site. Direct dual feed from two 138 kV transmission lines are being provided as are all other utilities.

Acres: 200
Unique characteristics: Being developed for semiconductor industry
Suited for: Semiconductors

South Carolina Super Sites

Pee Dee Regional Commerce Center
Florence County, South Carolina

The Pee Dee Regional Commerce Center is a 717-acre project immediately adjacent to Interstate 95 in northeastern South Carolina. The property is fronted by a four-lane access highway with a full interchange with I-95 and is located only four miles from the Florence Regional Airport. The project's access to utilities is remarkable. There is a 30-million gallon per day treatment plant adjacent to the site with a 36-inch main running through the property along with a major sewer trunk line. An electric substation is under construction on the property and natural gas is also available in quantity. The Pee Dee Regional Commerce Center is the largest new business park to be developed in the I-95 corridor from Virginia to Florida in the last 10 years.

A unique advantage of the property is that Phase I and II environmental audits have been completed on all sites along with wetlands delineation and mitigation, boundary surveys, geo-technical exploration and endangered species surveys. The site is immediately available for clients to begin construction of their facilities. Since the property is in Phase I development, there is maximum flexibility in terms of site size and configuration. The site has recently been shown to projects requiring as many as 200 acres and as few as two or three acres.

Acres: 717
Unique characteristics: Directly on I-95 with excellent utility infrastructure in place
Suited for: For the most part, this is a "do all" site that can be used for just about any industry other than heavy

Black River Airport Industrial Park
Sumter County, South Carolina

Combine a "high end" industrial park with a recently declared federal Empowerment Zone and you get the best of both worlds. That's what you will find in Sumter County's Black River Airport Industrial Park. The park totals 3,020 acres of which 1,660 are still available. A portion of the park is adjacent to the Sumter Municipal Airport. The park features walking trails, public recreational access and a future wildlife refuge, certainly not items normally associated with an Empowerment Zone. A large 200-plus-acre site lies in the Empowerment Zone and any tenant of that property may take advantage of numerous investment incentives from local, state and federal governments.

A second site with 200-plus contiguous acres is located in the park immediately surrounding the Sumter Municipal Airport. This site, while not part of the Empowerment Zone, is ideal for a prospect that needs immediate runway access. You can purchase land at both sites for $8,000 to $12,000 per acre. Water, sewer, electric and gas are in place and the park is rail-served.

For more information on the Black River Airport Industrial Park, circle No. 256 on the Reader Service Card or contact Steve Rust at 803-418-0702.

Acres: 1,660 (two 200-plus-acre sites for single users)
Unique characteristics: High-end park with Empowerment Zone designation; airport and rail
Suited for: General manufacturing, aviation, distribution

Tennessee Super Sites

New Tech Park Near Nashville To Be World-Class

Williamson County Technology & Research Park
Williamson County, Tennessee

The Nashville area has been one of the hottest markets in the South over the last five years. And Williamson County, located about 30 minutes south of downtown, is Nashville's brightest star. The new tech park is just now getting off the ground. But as hot of a location as Williamson County is, it would be prudent to check this site out now or expect to wait in line.

Backing up Williamson County's attraction to growing businesses are these items: Williamson County is Nashville's largest office and retail market at more than 5 million square feet each; No. 1 in per capita income in Tennessee and 9th in the nation; a 1998 study ranked Williamson County 3rd in the nation for future economic growth; a 1994 Wall Street Journal survey ranked the county 10th on a list of the 20 fastest growing, most educated and wealthy counties in the nation. So what does such a successful and progressive county do to further development? It champions a world-class technology and research park.

When completed, the Williamson County Technology & Research Park will have about 4 million square feet of institutional, private research and development space, with up to 60 campus-style buildings. The master plan indicates that 38 percent of the land in the park will be used by university research and R&D office and lab space. Retail, commercial, hotels, conference center, high school and a commuter rail station are all planned users of the park. As mentioned, this park was just recently announced. Much of the infrastructure serving the park is in the planning stages. However, all utilities, including a 12-conduit fiber bundle, are adjacent to the property.

The location of the park is exceptional. The proposed interstate-quality SR840 is on the south side of the property; CSX Railroad is on the west; SR31 to the east; Interstate 65 is only three miles west and the site is directly adjacent to the SR840/SR31 interchange.

This park will provide exceptional conditions for a work force and visitors, including landscaped parking areas, tree-lined boulevards, ponds, walking trails, bike paths, green belt treatments and other natural areas.

For more information on the Williamson County Technology & Research Park, circle No. 130 on the Reader Service Card or contact Bob Iannacone at 615-261-2880.

Acres: 495
Unique characteristics: A world-class technology and research park, located in a world-class community
Suited for: R&D, IT, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, campus-style projects

At The Center Of The South's Automotive Corridor

Elam Road Site
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Just south of Murfreesboro and adjacent to a new interchange soon to be constructed on Interstate 24 is a 468-acre multi-use development park. The Elam Road Site is nine miles southeast of new state route 840, a limited access four-lane connecting Interstates 40, 24 and 65.

Murfreesboro is the county seat of Rutherford County, Tennessee's fifth largest and fastest growing county. Murfreesboro is home to Middle Tennessee State University, a 19,000 student state school with an outstanding College of Business.

The I-24 corridor between La Vergne and Murfreesboro located 14 new projects in fiscal year 1999-2000. Between the two cities lies Smyrna, site of Nissan's North American manufacturing facility where a half-billion dollar, 1,000-employee expansion was announced in July. Hewlett-Packard has also transferred its assembly and distribution of computers and servers from California to Rutherford County, bringing an additional 1,600 jobs.

The Elam Road Site has already been annexed and zoned by the City of Murfreesboro with the majority of zoning for light and heavy industrial uses. Sites are available from 10 acres up to 200 and priced according to size.

Construction on the interstate exchange begins in 2001 and should take about 18 months. In the meantime, an existing exit is less than three miles away. The site is 30 minutes from the Nashville International Airport.

For more information on the Elam Road Site, circle No. 287 on the Reader Service Card or contact Randy Brewer at 615-893-6565.

Acres: 468
Unique characteristics: Adjacent to proposed interchange on I-24.
Suited for: Auto suppliers (Nissan 15 miles away, Saturn 40), computer suppliers (H-P 18 miles, Dell 35), companies that are logistics intensive (central eastern U.S. location)

Cherry Glen Business Park
Maury County, Tennessee

The Cherry Glen Business Park is located between Columbia and Mt. Pleasant in middle Tennessee, about an hour south of the Nashville airport. The park features 543 acres, with sites ranging from 2 ½ to 200 acres.

Cherry Glen is a super site with amenities, which is somewhat rare. Over 100 acres of this site have been reserved for nature areas. There's a 22-acre lake at the park, along with walking trails and tree lines. The park is zoned M-1 (light industrial), with restrictive covenants.

This is an excellent automotive supplier site. It's location near Tennessee's two massive auto plants (Saturn and Nissan) and plants in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia make it a no-brainer for suppliers. While the site is somewhat in its infancy (construction on much of the utility infrastructure has just begun), it is owned exclusively by Maury County.

Acres: 543 (200 for one user)
Unique characteristics: Location near auto plants; one hundred acres set aside for nature areas
Suited for: Automotive suppliers, electronics, light assembly

Jack Lawrence Airport Industrial Park
Jackson, Tennessee

This site, located in west Tennessee, presents 796 acres of prime county-owned (Madison) land. One miles away is the McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport and CSX rail is located a little over three miles from the park. A spur can be extended to serve the property.

All utilities are in place to serve the site and a Phase I environmental has been completed. An Interstate 40 interchange is located 2.42 miles from the site.

Acres: 796
Unique characteristics: Airport adjacent to site
Suited for: Distribution and manufacturing

Texas Super Sites

Major Tract Available in Longview, Texas

Smith Property
Longview, Texas

Longview, Tex., has an excellent super site that's already been looked at by two major paper companies. Up to 800 acres of prime land adjacent to Interstate 20 makes this super site worth considering. "We see this mega-site as a major opportunity for a company needing a large site with excellent access and as a major opportunity for our community to support that effort," said John Stroud, executive director of the Longview Economic Development Corporation. "Introducing companies to this significant tract of land has allowed the City of Longview to plan for expansion of its water and sewer operations and to extend service to the site when the right company chooses this location."

Longview has entered into contracts providing water to the city for the next 100 years, according to Ricky Childers, city manager. "We not only have the desire but the ability to meet the long-term needs of a company that might want to locate at this site."

As a result of GM's $750 million expansion of its Shreveport, La., plant, automotive suppliers have been busy discovering what Longview has to offer. Longview's super site is within a one-hour drive on Interstate 20 from the GM plant. "We're seeing a lot more activity in this area because of our proximity to the GM plant," Stroud said. "These suppliers are finding our labor quality and availability to be more than sufficient. They are also discovering that Longview has long maintained a pro-business climate, one with the ability to work with companies on the fast track."

As mentioned, the 800-acre site, which is known as the "Smith Property," is located adjacent to I-20. Access for truck traffic is excellent with this location. While rail is not at the site, a major rail line is adjacent to the property. The installation of a spur is possible. Already a significant amount of environmental studies and permitting has been completed on the site.

For more information on the Smith Property, circle No. 185 on the Reader Service Card or contact John Stroud at 903-753-7878.

Acres: 800
Unique characteristics: Interstate frontage
Suited for: Heavy industry, large manufacturers, large distribution

McKinney Municipal Airport
McKinney, Texas

Located in the North Dallas Technology Corridor, McKinney Municipal Airport is an emerging facility of choice. With a 7,000-foot runway capable of accommodating any size corporate jet, this super site is perfectly suited for aviation-related companies. Acreage available for a single user totals 788 and the property is directly adjacent to the airport. Officials in McKinney are aggressively marketing this property to high tech manufacturing and aerospace industries. Recently, Texas Instruments' Flight Department signed on as the airport's first tenant. U.S. Customs clearance is in progress to allow users of the airport to fly overseas and return directly to McKinney. By the way, McKinney Municipal was named by the Texas Department of Transportation as the Outstanding Reliever Airport of the Year for 1999.

Acres: 788
Unique characteristics: Airport site
Suited for: Aviation/aerospace, high tech

Interport Trade Center
Lubbock, Texas

If you're looking for an ideal site for large manufacturing or distribution, take a look at the Interport Trade Center located at Lubbock International Airport in Northwest Texas. Nearly 2,000 acres are available for development, all with immediate access to air (10,500-foot runways), rail and highway systems. Here, an international manufacturer can air-cargo ship inventory and parts direct from international locations to go in the back door and truck finished goods out the front door immediately into the U.S. Interstate system. FTZ, triple Freeport exemptions, customs clearance and tax abatements can be applied for users at Interport.

Acres: About 2,000
Unique characteristics: Airport site; low cost alternative to Alliance Airport development in Fort Worth
Suited for: Aviation/aerospace, large distribution, general manufacturing, food processing

The Best Dirt in all of Dallas/Fort Worth

Mercer Crossing
Farmers Branch, Texas

If you are looking at the dynamic Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to locate a large office campus, tech center or corporate relocation, why not look right at the center of the target? Mercer Crossing is an 850-acre, mixed-use development located in Farmers Branch, Texas. It is one of the last remaining large tracts of undeveloped dirt available in the central Metroplex. In fact, in our opinion, this is the best dirt available in all of Dallas/Fort Worth.

Mercer Crossing is at the demographic center of the D/FW Metroplex, located only 15-minutes from D/FW Airport, Love Field and downtown Dallas. The site is surrounded by Interstate 35, Interstate 635 and the new George W. Bush Tollway. Currently, over $1 billion is being spent on transportation infrastructure in the immediate vicinity to further improve access to the site. Mercer Crossing is also adjacent to the developing light rail system spreading throughout the Metroplex. All of these transportation options provide Mercer Crossing unparalled access.

While Mercer Crossing is zoned for a variety of uses, including high-rise office, hotel, retail and high-density residential, it's the excellent potential this site generates for an outstanding large campus-style project that earns it super site status. In a market that features many massive campus projects, Mercer Crossing stands out as the best site for another to be built in the D/FW Metro. The development plan includes pedestrian paths, green space and water features throughout the property.

The site is located at the crossroads of the area's utility arterials. All of the necessary utility connections (at nearly unlimited capacities) will be available shortly. The site is located at the hub of multiple fiber optic providers. Every telecommunication need will be provided.

While this site does offer all the bells and whistles a premiere campus site should, you cannot dismiss even slightly the excellent location. Farmers Branch is just 10 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport's north gate. Large sites like Mercer Crossing don't exist that close to the airport in D/FW. In fact, how many 850-acre sites exist in any major market in the South that close to the airport?

For more information on Mercer Crossing, circle No. 15 on the Reader Service Card or contact Norma Nichols at 972-919-2512 or R L Lemke at 469-522-4200. You can look up Mercer Crossing on the Web at www.MercerCrossing.com

Acres: 850
Unique characteristics: Key location at the center of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
Suited for: Campus-style projects, corporate headquarters, high-tech

KellyUSA
San Antonio, Texas

Formerly Kelly Air Force Base, this super site has already made its mark in the aviation/aerospace sector. Boeing, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Ryder, EC&G and Rail Car Texas, among other users, call Kelly home.

Just six minutes from downtown San Antonio at the crossroads of interstate highways I-10 and I-35, KellyUSA offers 11 million square feet of existing facilities, including four million square feet of warehousing.

The site features an 11,500-foot runway and a rail yard, and many economic and trade incentives. Some of those include an activated foreign trade zone, double freeport tax exemption, state enterprise zone, no state or city income tax and no corporate income tax.

Acres: Only 60 for one user, however several large buildings (one over 400,000 s.f.) are available
Unique characteristics: Awesome infrastructure, including rail yard and 11,500-foot runway
Suited for: Large distribution, aviation/aerospace, general manufacturing

Virginia Super Sites

In the Purest of Definitions, Progress Park is a Super Site

Progress Park
Wythe County, Virginia

In the purest definition of a super site, Progress Park is indeed it. This park is a publicly owned, 1,210-acre site composed of two former farm properties. Up to 500 acres are available for a single user. What's more, the park sits in an incredible location: at the intersection of Interstate 77, Interstate 81 and future Interstate 74.

Progress Park's infrastructure is on the fast track. A new industrial access road into the park has been completed along with a new 16" water line to the park with two million gallons per day excess water supply immediately available. A redundant water supply from the New River is being developed to provide 10 mgd. There's an integral regional storm water management system already constructed in the park. Furthermore, design is in place for a gravity sewer line to a 2 mgd waste water treatment plant when and if its needed, depending on the users of the park.

Gas and electric utility infrastructure is equally impressive at Progress Park. Two 765 kV lines are located nearby with an adjacent 138 kV line. An in-park substation is planned if needed. Two interstate gas transmission lines serve the park with the possible upgrade to a 24" diameter line. Fiber is in place directly adjacent to the park's property. Geo-technical, environmental and archaeological studies have all been performed on Progress Park.

As mentioned, positioned at the intersection of two interstates makes this park a logistical delight. The park is served by the main Shenandoah line of Norfolk Southern railroad. Also, a proposed inland port facility could offer "deep ocean" access to this Blue Ridge mountain site. The site is also near Virginia Tech, one of the nation's premier research institutions, as well as FTZ 238 and Customs-served Port 1481. Progress Park is located within an Enterprise Zone, a designation that provides much higher local and state incentives for users.

By looking at a U.S. map, Wythe County's superb southwest Virginia location -- especially for large distributors -- is easily realized. Wythe County sits in the middle of a radius loosely formed by Raleigh, Richmond, Charleston (W.V.), Knoxville and Charlotte. That being the case, a distributor can conceivably serve the Northeast and Midwest as easily as the Southeast with this location.

For more information on the Progress Park super site, circle No. 327 on the Reader Service Card or contact Alan Hawthorne at 540-223-3370.

Acres: 1,210 (500 for a single user)
Unique characteristics: Located at intersection of two interstates, rail, high capacity utilities
Suited for: large distribution, automotive, plastics, general manufacturing

Northgate Commerce Park
Suffolk, Virginia

Located within a stone's throw from Interstate 664 in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News MSA, Northgate Commerce Park flaunts an abundance of acreage with close interstate access, Virginia Enterprise Zone designation, and rail-served sites. The 460-acre master-planned park is being developed by a partnership between the Suffolk Industrial Development Authority and Upton Farms, the owner of the property.

Design criteria for Northgate Commerce Park provides an attractive setting for office as well as industrial uses on sites ranging from three to 200 acres. Access to the site is via the Nansemond Parkway, only 2.5 miles west of I-664. Water is abundant, with a daily treatment capacity of nine million gallons and current use is one-third of that. All utilities, including fiber, are in place at the park. Portland, Ore.-based IDC conducted a thorough review of Northgate and determined that it is one of the top two parks in the region for a semiconductor plant.

Acres: 460
Unique characteristics: Rail, Virginia Enterprise Zone, proximity to Port of Hampton Roads and interstate
Suited for: Semiconductors, electronics, assembly, mixed office

White Oak Technology Park
Henrico County, Virginia

White Oak Technology Park is a Class A, high-tech/high-value manufacturing center located at the southeast quadrant of I-295 and I-64. The park's acreage tops 2,000, however, there are 1,000 acres available for development. Currently, anchor tenants include White Oak Semiconductor (800,000 s.f.) and Hewlett-Packard (1,400,000 s.f.).

White Oak is the only site available in metro Richmond that has complete and direct interstate access to two interstates, the water/sewer capacity, and the electric, gas and fiber optic capacity to fully serve another semiconductor plant. In fact, this site is born and bred to be a semiconductor site.

Acres: 1,000
Unique characteristics: Developed exclusively for semiconductor facility
Suited for: Semiconductors

Taylor Farms Industrial Park
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Located in the primary growth corridor of Virginia Beach, adjacent to Oceana West Industrial Park and Oceana Naval Air Station is Taylor Farms Industrial Park. This new park offers 200 acres of light and heavy industrial zoned sites available for immediate development. Domestic water, sanitary sewer, natural gas, telephone and fiber optic services are available on site. Notable neighbors include Sthil, GEICO, Lillian Vernon and General Foam and Plastics.

Acres: 200
Unique characteristics: Super site located near center of major metro area
Suited for: Manufacturing and distribution

West Virginia Super Sites

Raleigh County Memorial Airport Industrial Park
Beckley, West Virginia

Excellent proximity to major interstates and an abundant labor supply help make the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Industrial Park one of the South's best super sites. With phase one, totaling 174 acres and the newly added phase two with 278 acres, this site is ideal for a variety of industries, including aviation and aerospace. Because the facility is located directly in the automotive corridor of Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia, it is also well suited for auto-supply industries.

The site has a well designed infrastructure in place including an abundance of water as well as sewer, electricity and gas. Another plus for companies considering this site, the area offers lower utility rates than most of the nation.

Located in southern West Virginia approximately 30 minutes from the Virginia border and one hour from Interstate 81, this site is also only one mile from I-64 and about five miles from where I-64 and I-77 merge. The site is adjacent to the Raleigh County Airport with two commercial-sized runways. Thanks to recent deregulation of the airline industry, commercial flights at this airport are limited, freeing the runways for planes too transport materials and products for companies located in the park.

Anchoring phase one of the airport site is Klockner Pentaplast, a German-based plastic extrusion company. According to Executive Director of 4-C Economic Development Authority, Judy Radford, the Raleigh County Commission aggressively helped Klockner Pentaplast make its West Virginia site a reality. And, they are committed to giving this same "aggressive" help to other suitable companies that are interested in locating at the Raleigh County site.

"This site is exceptional because of its proximity to the Interstates," Radford said. "Also, we're not experiencing labor shortages here like so many other areas. We have an abundance of trained labor that is unemployed and available for companies that locate at the Raleigh County Airport site."

For more information on the Raleigh County Memorial Airport Industrial Park, circle No. 329 on the Reader Service Card or contact Judy Radford at 304-465-0585.

Acres: 452
Unique characteristics: Adjacent to airport
Suited for: Automotive, electronics, aeronautics, data centers