Focusing on past relationships and utilizing new technology drove ComReal’s sale of this trophy property. In the 1980’s, ComReal’s founder and president Stephen H. Smith, SIOR assembled and participated in the development of Americas’ Gateway Park. In 1989, Smith and ComReal assisted Peter Ullrich in the acquisition of the undeveloped six acres. The site is located in the corner of the park with 180 degrees views of the Fingerlakes. Mr. Ullrich then constructed a state-of-the-art refrigerated warehouse facility which was certainly ahead of its time in 1990. Several terraces, a three-story glass atrium and executive offices overlook the lake which are rare features with industrial properties in Miami.

As stated, technology also played a distinct role in this sale. ComReal’s Industrial Team including Ed Redlich, Chris Spear and Edison Vasquez, used the latest technology to create a marketing plan. Photos and videos captured by an aerial drone by Sky Drone Logistics (see www.SkyDroneLogistics.com) were used to build a unique website specific to the property. A two-minute commercial was also created and available worldwide via www.AGPBuilding.com. Not only was this technology useful in the sale, but the associates of the new ownership were also able to preview the property in Ecuador before arriving in Miami. Click here to watch the Aerial Drone Video on YouTube. >>>

Upon sale, the property was operated by Esmeralda Farms, Connectaflor and Continental Farms; each is very well known within the flower industry and plans to remain in the facility. The new ownership, Freshworld Logistics, is also in the flower distribution business. The principals are Patricia and Jorge Garces. Their distribution company, G&G Cargo Services, has been in Miami since the year 2000 and imports flowers from over twenty countries around the world. Prior to closing on this property, the Garces sold their 28,500 sq. ft. warehouse at 2605 NW 75th Avenue to a seafood company for $3,700,000 (or $130 per sq. ft.). Visit them at www.ggcargo.com.

“Warehouses in Miami are very cool right now. Literally.” stated Ed Redlich. “The perishables industry is extremely active in Miami’s industrial market. Both the flowers and foods industry are each competing for the same warehouses to keep up with their growth and expansion.” Below is a list of recent, significant transactions in Miami involving refrigerated warehouses.

Having been instrumental in half of the above-mentioned transactions, ComReal dominates this product. “Our team tracks every refrigerated warehouse in Miami-Dade County. It is not uncommon for us to know when a property is available before it becomes publicly listed on-the-market for sale or lease.” exclaims Edison Vasquez. “We also maintain very good working relationships with those in the foods, produce and flowers industries”. Vasquez was born in Ecuador, one of the largest exporters of flowers to the USA. He notes that “Miami International Airport receives over 90% of all fresh cut flowers being imported into the USA. This large supply of flowers creates the high demand for refrigerated warehouses especially on the west side of the airport”.

Redlich also points out “We are often asked by our clients in the perishables industry what is the total capacity for refrigerated warehouses in Miami. The answer is that with over 230M total sq. ft. and dozens of business parks with excess vacant land, we have an unlimited capacity for businesses needing cold storage. If a warehouse with existing refrigeration systems cannot be acquired, then a dry warehouse can be re-purposed to suit their needs.” Redlich serves on the PortMiami Perishables Committee and has traveled on trade missions to Panama, Peru, Colombia, the Netherlands, Germany, China and Hong Kong to learn more about the production and cold chain processes for foods, produce and flowers transported around the world.

Now that the transaction has been finalized, what is next for the ComReal Industrial Team? Chris Spear is pleased to report that they have just listed one of the largest, available refrigerated warehouses in South Florida. The Miami Gardens warehouse is 80,000 sq. ft. in size. It is located halfway between PortMiami and Port Everglades just off I-95 and on the CSX Railroad line. The warehouse was formerly occupied by Preferred Freezers and Sysco Foods. For more information on this property, including an aerial video tour, please visit www.MiamiCoolerWarehouse.com.

Miami-Dade County Refrigerated Warehouse at 1351 NW 78th Avenue, Doral

After nearly two years in the making, the ComReal Miami Industrial Team announces the successful lease of a 64,000 sq. ft. warehouse building by Miami-Dade County. The property is located at 1351 NW 78th Avenue in Doral right on the Palmetto Expressway just west of Miami International Airport. What is most unique about this property is that 50,000 sq. ft. of the warehouse is refrigerated. The landlord is Maya Plantation and the warehouse was previously occupied by another tenant named Florida Beauty Flora (FBF), a flowers distribution and trucking company. FBF, aka Floral Logistics, has expanded and relocated to their new cooler warehouse at Miami Cargo Park at 3400 NW 74th Avenue.

Miami-Dade County intends to use the property for the distribution of foods and other perishables for the Corrections Department. The lease term is for five years and valued at about $4,000,000. The property is now in the process of being upgraded including the installation of a backup generator; a 3,000 sq. ft. walk-in freezer; paint and flooring in the office space; and ADA compliance.

ComReal was first contacted by Miami-Dade County in the Spring of 2012 in regards to another refrigerated warehouse in Miami. When that property became no longer available, ComReal presented the Doral cooler warehouse which was becoming available on an off-the-market basis only. “There is a waiting list for refrigerated warehouse spaces in Miami. There is a high demand from distributors of flowers, produce and other foods, however our inventory supply of refrigerated warehouses is very low.” states Ed Redlich of ComReal. “Our team specializes in tracking these properties so that we know when they become available for sale or lease.” 

According to the Miami International Airport, over 90% of fresh cut flowers entering the USA are flown into MIA. Over 70% of all perishables enter MIA. View more statistics for Miami International Airport’s cargo at www.miami-airport.com/cargo.asp. In addition, Port Miami is increasing it’s tonnage of perishables being shipped. For more information, visit Port Miami’s website on perishables at www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/perishables.asp.

ComReal would like to take this opportunity to especially thank the principals/owners of Maya Plantation, the Miami-Dade County Real Estate Department and the Corrections Department. “Everyone remained incredibly patient during this long process. We first introduced the parties then toured the property nearly two years ago. The #1 killer of all transactions, is deal fatigue. Each participant maintained their focus and enthusiasm for reaching a successful conclusion.” adds Redlich.

Americas’ Gateway Park Building for Sale or Lease

ComReal is currently marketing the Americas’ Gateway Park Building in Doral for sale or lease. This 102,000 sq. ft. is one of the few, available refrigerated warehouses in Miami. It also happens to be one of the few warehouses over 100,000 sq. ft. for sale in South Florida. For more information on this Miami cooler warehouse, please visit the website and video tour at www.AGPBuilding.com. Ed Redlich is joined by Chris Spear and Edison Vasquez. They are the only industrial team in Miami that have all three Realtors designated as Certified Commercial Investment Members (CCIM).

One of the first business parks developed in Florida in the 1980’s. The park consists of over 2,000,000 sq. ft. of office, warehouse, flex and retail buildings on about 135 acres. The AGP Building was built in 1990 yet it looks like it was just constructed much more recently.  The entire property is immaculately maintained both inside and outside.

The property is now the home of a 102,310 sq. ft. building that sits on 5.88 acres which has a 180 degrees view of The Fingerlakes. Several terraces and executive offices overlook the lake. Entering the main lobby you will first notice an indoor fountain with an amazing view of the lake from the glass Atrium. The property’s main feature includes two warehouse coolers totaling 52,750 sq. ft. of refrigerated area.

The property is ready to move in for businesses specializing in the distribution of perishables such as flowers, produce, fruits & vegetables, foods and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the property could also be utilized for logistics, cruise lines, aviation, TV film studio, technology, healthcare, medical, hospital, perfumes & cosmetics, church, government agencies and more. This building would make an ideal corporate headquarters for USA domestic operations and/or Latin America.

There is plenty of warehouse spaces for lease in Miami-Dade County, however it is a fact that there are only three (3) warehouses over 100,000 sq. ft. on the market for sale. This is a unique opportunity for an owner-user to purchase a trophy property. Given today’s low interest rates this property deserves your attention and consideration. Please visit www.AGPBuilding.com for more information.

Overview of the Industrial Real Estate Market in Miami-Dade County. According to The ComReal Companies, there is about 230,000,000 sq. ft. of total warehouse space in Miami. The average vacancy rate has been falling the past several quarters to 6.4%. Even with the new construction there is positive absorption. Average lease rates are $7.86 per sq. ft. With over $2B worth of improvements being constructed to Port Miami and the transportation infrastructure, Miami is positioning itself for major industrial growth as a result of the opening of the new Panama Canal. In addition, changes to the logistical routes for perishables and new fumigation procedures have already significantly increased the demand for cold storage facilities in Miami. Larger inventories of flowers, fruits, vegetables and foods passing through the Gateway of The Americas will require a larger supply of warehouse space. ComReal states that there are eleven new, significant construction projects which are being developed for rent only.

The property is located within The City of Doral which is home to the Miami Herald, Carnival Cruise Lines, US Southern Command and the Doral Country Club & Golf Course. Adjacent neighbors are WFOR-TV CBS and Univision. Just a few minutes away is access to Florida’s Turnpike, Dolphin and Palmetto Expressways and the Miami International Airport.

For a complete package and/or a private tour of the property, please contact the ComReal Miami Team at 786-433-2380.