As we dive into the world of industrial real estate, I’m thrilled to sit down with Luca Calarailli, a seasoned expert in construction, design, and architecture. With a deep passion for integrating technology and innovation into the industry, Luca brings a wealth of knowledge about cutting-edge projects like the recently delivered 429 Business Center in Ocoee, Florida. Developed by Stonemont Financial Group, this Class A industrial campus is making waves in the Orlando market. In our conversation, we’ll explore the inspiration behind this development, the unique features of its facilities, the leasing momentum, construction challenges, and how it fits into the broader industrial landscape of the region.
What sparked the vision for the 429 Business Center in Ocoee, and why was the Orlando area chosen for this industrial campus?
The vision for 429 Business Center came from recognizing the incredible growth in Orlando as a logistics and distribution hub. The metro area’s strategic location, with access to major highways and proximity to ports, makes it a prime spot for industrial development. Stonemont saw an opportunity to cater to the rising demand for high-quality, flexible industrial space in a market that’s expanding rapidly. Orlando’s population growth and economic diversity also played a big role—it’s not just a tourist destination but a thriving business center. We wanted to create a campus that could support a wide range of tenants, from e-commerce to manufacturing, and position them for success in this dynamic region.
How did the specific location at 409 Ocoee Apopka Road come into play, and what advantages does this 32-acre site offer?
The location at 409 Ocoee Apopka Road was carefully chosen for its connectivity. Being near U.S. State Route 429, Interstate 4, and Silver Star Road, it offers seamless access across the metro area. Downtown Orlando is just 15 miles away, and the international airport is about 25 miles southeast, which is a huge plus for businesses with regional or global operations. The 32-acre site itself provided enough space to design a campus with seven buildings, ample parking, and truck courts, ensuring scalability and efficiency. It’s a spot that balances urban proximity with the room to build a true industrial hub.
Can you walk us through the standout design features of the seven buildings at 429 Business Center and how they cater to tenant needs?
Absolutely. The buildings are designed with flexibility and functionality in mind. Clear heights range from 20 to 32 feet, accommodating everything from smaller operations to large-scale warehousing with heavy racking systems. We included ESFR sprinkler systems for top-tier fire safety, which is critical for compliance and protecting high-value inventory. The option for rear and front load configurations allows tenants to optimize their logistics flow, while office suites in each building provide dedicated space for administrative work. With 337 vehicle parking spots and spacious truck courts, we’ve ensured smooth traffic management and easy access for large vehicles. It’s all about meeting diverse operational needs under one roof.
With the campus 49 percent preleased at delivery, what does this tell us about the demand for industrial space in this area?
The 49 percent prelease rate at delivery speaks volumes about the pent-up demand for Class A industrial space in Orlando. Businesses are eager for modern facilities that can support their growth, especially in a market where e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing are booming. Having nearly half the campus spoken for before completion shows confidence in the location and the quality of the development. It’s a strong indicator that companies see Orlando as a strategic base, and they’re moving quickly to secure space in a competitive market.
Buildings 200 and 600 are fully preleased—can you share insights into the types of businesses drawn to these spaces?
While I can’t disclose specific tenants, I can say that Buildings 200 and 600 attracted businesses looking for modern, efficient spaces to streamline their operations. These facilities appealed to companies in sectors like distribution and light manufacturing, which value the high clear heights and flexible loading options. The fact that they’re fully preleased reflects how well the design aligns with the needs of today’s industrial users, who prioritize speed and adaptability in their supply chain setups.
How did the construction process unfold in 2024, and what were some of the hurdles you faced during development?
Construction in 2024 was a fast-paced endeavor, as we were committed to delivering on time despite a tight schedule. Partnering with a skilled general contractor was key to managing the build-out of seven buildings simultaneously. We faced challenges like supply chain delays for certain materials, which have been an industry-wide issue, and unpredictable weather in Florida that occasionally slowed progress. However, through proactive planning and constant communication with our team, we navigated these hurdles and kept the project on track for delivery.
How does 429 Business Center position itself within the broader industrial market trends in Orlando?
429 Business Center fits perfectly into Orlando’s industrial boom. With 3.5 million square feet under construction and another 3.6 million in the planning stages across the metro, the market is hot. Our campus stands out as a Class A offering that meets the demand for premium space in a prime location. It’s part of a larger trend where developers are focusing on quality over quantity—tenants want facilities with modern amenities, strategic access, and scalability. We’re also seeing Orlando solidify its role as a logistics gateway in the Southeast, and projects like ours are helping to fuel that growth by attracting top-tier businesses.
What’s your forecast for the future of industrial development in Orlando over the next few years?
I’m very bullish on Orlando’s industrial market. Given the ongoing population and economic growth, I expect demand for industrial space to remain strong, particularly for Class A facilities near major transportation corridors. E-commerce will continue to drive leasing activity, but we’ll also see more interest from manufacturing and third-party logistics providers as supply chains diversify. The challenge will be balancing new development with infrastructure capacity—roads, utilities, and labor availability will need to keep pace. Overall, I see Orlando as a market that will keep attracting investment and innovation in the industrial sector for the foreseeable future.
