Mercantile Logistics Station

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

Mercantile Logistics Station is a LEED-certified, Class-A industrial development in Fort Worth, Texas, comprising two speculative warehouses totaling approximately 851,000 square feet. Developed through a joint venture between Velocis and KBC Advisors and designed by Ware Malcomb, the buildings are strategically located near Interstates 35W and 820, featuring direct pedestrian access to the TEXRail commuter line. The project broke ground in March 2023 and achieved completion by June 2024, providing flexible, divisible spaces suitable for corporate tenants.

Visually striking, the buildings showcase contemporary design with clean white exteriors accented by sophisticated two-tone grey detailing, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding Mercantile Business Park. The project’s LEED certification highlights a commitment to sustainability and positions it as a benchmark for future industrial development in the region.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

The Mercantile Logistics Station faced considerable environmental and scheduling challenges. Shortly after beginning construction, chemical contamination was discovered beneath the footprint of Building 1, causing a significant delay. Initial site assessments had overlooked the contamination, necessitating immediate environmental remediation efforts.

This unexpected obstacle resulted in a five-month delay for Building 1. The project team responded with strategic adjustments, shifting resources to Building 2, which progressed substantially during remediation. An aggressive recovery schedule was implemented for Building 1, completing the nearly 400,000-square-foot structure in just eight months from its delayed start date. This successful schedule recovery required exceptional coordination, allowing both buildings to meet critical leasing timelines without compromising construction quality.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

Mercantile Logistics Station required innovative engineering and construction sequencing due to its complex environmental conditions. Following the contamination discovery beneath Building 1, a nontraditional construction approach was adopted. Construction advanced significantly on Building 2 while comprehensive environmental testing and soil remediation occurred at Building 1, an approach demanding precise scheduling and phased operations.

Safety protocols were heightened, and clear communication channels were established to manage dual operations, ensuring construction and environmental remediation activities occurred safely and effectively. Engineering efforts were focused on maintaining structural integrity and air quality standards during remediation and pier drilling processes. This careful coordination and sequencing allowed for safe, timely completion of both buildings without any safety incidents or lost-time accidents, underscoring the project team’s meticulous oversight and adaptive capabilities.