Winter Park-based Park Industrial LLC is currently developing a substantial 220,000-square-foot industrial project situated within the core of Davenport’s thriving logistics hub.
Project Details and Location
The expansive warehouse will be located at 450 Deen Still Rd., strategically positioned adjacent to the Park 27 Industrial Park and bordering the environmentally sensitive Green Swamp. This 37.36-acre property, formerly a sod farm owned by A-1 Florida Sod, will feature a 10,000-square-foot construction equipment rental store alongside a 210,000-square-foot warehouse equipped with 52 loading bays. The preliminary site plan for the single-building design also includes parking for 39 trucks, 152 standard vehicle spaces, and 7 ADA-compliant spaces.
A Prime Distribution Location
According to Alex Goetz, manager at KPM Franklin, the warehouse is intended for distribution purposes, leveraging the area’s robust existing infrastructure. The surrounding properties already house major distribution centers for companies like Amazon, CVS, Mohawk, Ford, Sun Orchard, and GXO. Goetz emphasizes the excellent connectivity to major highways, stating, “This area has a lot of distribution facilities already, and there is good connectivity and access to major highways. This is a good spot for the time from the facility to the major highway. Also, being part of a distribution hub is nice and has compatibility with surrounding areas.”
Environmental Considerations and County Collaboration
The project’s location within the Green Swamp area presents unique challenges and opportunities due to strict environmental regulations. Developers are committed to meeting a high standard for stormwater discharge, surpassing typical requirements in the state and county. Goetz noted, “We have been focusing a lot on the stormwater regulations; we haven’t gotten to the energy conservation this early on in the project.” He also praised Polk County’s support throughout the entitlement process, highlighting their helpfulness and responsiveness in improving the site’s environmental impact.
In a collaborative effort, Park Industrial LLC will also undertake an infrastructure agreement with the county to construct a segment of the Northridge Trail improvement as part of the development. Goetz explained, “From a timing and efficiency standpoint, we should be able to do it quicker and for less money than the county. The ability to work together with the county on a public infrastructure that benefits this project is good. Most counties do this, but Polk County does it uniquely well.”
Davenport’s Broader Development Landscape
The Davenport submarket continues to be a hotbed for significant development. In 2024, it saw the most expensive industrial sale when global real estate firm KKR acquired a $140 million, 1.2 million-square-foot portfolio of four warehouses in the Park 27 and Florida Central Park logistics centers.
Beyond industrial growth, the U.S. 27 corridor in Davenport is also preparing for a major retail expansion. Walmart plans to commence construction next year on a 56-acre shopping center that will house the area’s first Sam’s Club and a gigantic new Walmart Supercenter. These side-by-side big-box stores will span 197,798 square feet and 170,818 square feet, respectively, offering parking for over 1,500 vehicles. Additionally, the development will include nine outparcels, featuring a Sam’s Club gas station, a public gas station, a bank, two QSRs, two sit-down restaurants, and two multi-tenant buildings.