Mapletree Builds New Logistics Hub in Chicago

Mapletree Investments has initiated construction on a significant industrial facility, a 419,520-square-foot logistics hub, strategically positioned within Chicago's vital Joliet submarket. This development underscores the company's ongoing commitment to bolstering its presence in key distribution corridors across the United States. The project, located at 1851 Brandon Road, is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and is situated on a 29.36-acre parcel.

The new facility is designed to capitalize on its prime location, offering direct access to the I-80 and I-55 interchange and proximity to the Joliet Intermodal Center, recognized as North America's largest inland port. This connectivity is crucial for efficient supply chain operations, linking seamlessly with Union Pacific and BNSF intermodal terminals. The building's specifications include 40-foot clear heights, 78 dock doors, four drive-in doors, ample trailer parking for 97 units, and 172 car parking spaces, targeting a LEED Silver certification for sustainability.

Richard Prokup, Chief Executive Officer for the US at Mapletree, highlighted the strategic importance of this development, stating, "This groundbreaking adds another high-quality logistics asset to one of the nation's most established distribution hubs." He further emphasized Mapletree's strategy to expand its US development pipeline with institutional-grade assets in high-demand logistics corridors, following recent industrial property divestments. This move signals a proactive approach to portfolio management and growth.

The Joliet project is part of a broader expansion strategy for Mapletree in the US, which currently encompasses over 60 million square feet of industrial assets. This includes a recently acquired 96.8-acre site in Manalapan, New Jersey, earmarked for a substantial 952,720-square-foot logistics facility, expected to be delivered in early 2028. Mapletree's US portfolio, as of March 31, 2026, represented approximately 22% of its global assets under management, valued at around $59.5 billion.

Mapletree's development activities extend to other recent milestones, including a 420,262-square-foot logistics facility in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, initiated in late 2025, and the Bartlett Commerce Center in Illinois, a 149,100-square-foot building that broke ground in October 2025. The company also recently completed a 53,995-square-foot expansion in Orlando, Florida, now leased to Howard Fertilizer & Chemical. These developments collectively demonstrate Mapletree's robust pipeline and its focus on delivering modern, well-located industrial and logistics properties.

The Chicago industrial market continues to attract significant investment, driven by e-commerce growth and the need for efficient distribution networks. With vacancy rates in the Chicago metropolitan area hovering around 3-4% for prime industrial space, demand for new, high-specification facilities remains strong. Mapletree's investment in Joliet aligns with this trend, positioning the company to benefit from sustained leasing activity and rental growth in this critical logistics hub.