CBRE Secured Customized Location for Growing, Local Organization in Howard County, Maryland
Washington, D.C. – OCTOBER 20, 2016 – CBRE, Inc. represented J.J.McDonnell, a market leader in providing high quality seafood products and services, in the acquisition of its new, 62,000 sq. ft. headquarters. The adaptable space will house the company’s warehouse, distribution center and corporate offices with the ability to expand an additional 5,000 sq. ft. for product development.
After an exhaustive, three year search for the ideal structure that would fit the unique requirements of the organization, CBRE brokered a 15 year lease on the space located at 7010 Brookdale Drive in Elkridge, Maryland. In order to expand its clientele and maintain a pristine reputation for delivering the highest quality and freshest seafood, J.J. McDonnell required a facility that could accommodate stringent current and future regulations demanded by the industry. Additionally, the business of more than 70 years has increased by more than 100 employees since its inception and, as a result, outgrew its previous space.
Upon lease signage, the building did not have the concrete floors poured, which was ideal as it was primed for creating a tailored drainage system. A membrane roof was also installed to facilitate temperature control along with a state-of-the-art ammonia refrigeration system, which creates zero effect on the ozone layer and runs financially efficient.
J.J. McDonnell prides itself on employee development and community involvement. The new facility will house ample space for in-house trainings on safe food handling with the goal of partnering with local organizations, schools and the county on outreach and educational opportunities.
“Finding a modern working environment that elevates operational logistics, regulatory compliance and professional advancement in an easily accessible location was paramount to our client and us,” said John Wilhide, Senior Vice President, CBRE. “Partnering with J.J. McDonnell and solving an operational concern was a rewarding challenge and we are pleased with the final space.”
“Everyone at J.J. McDonnell is very excited and looking forward to operating in our new home to receive, store and process under the safest and cleanest conditions with focus on preserving the integrity of the seafoods we carry,” said George McManus, owner, J.J. McDonnell. “I am proud that this new facility will give employees a great working environment in which to provide service that will enhance our customers' businesses.”
J.J. McDonnell’s current customers and its planned expansion strategy required the company to remain squarely in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, with access to the port system, highways for trucking and access to major metropolitan areas.
CBRE’s John Wilhide represented J.J. McDonnell in this transaction.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2015 revenue). The Company has more than 70,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 400 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.