Airport Commercial Warehouses: Overcoming Challenges to Deliver a High-Value Development
When the Airport Commercial Development was successfully completed, investors saw an opportunity to maximize their return by building flex commercial space tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. They turned to BuildPro Contractors to design, build, and execute this project in a way that was efficient, cost-effective, and tenant-friendly.
With a strategic design-build approach, BuildPro completed this two-building, 25,600 SF warehouse project in just five months—despite facing significant challenges along the way.
Smart Design for Maximum Flexibility
With a 2.48-acre site, BuildPro first worked with civil engineers to determine the most efficient way to develop the land. After reviewing the topography and site conditions, we designed and built two 12,800 SF warehouses (160’ x 80’ each), capable of being subdivided into four 3,200 SF units per building—giving future tenants flexibility based on their business needs.
The warehouses were specifically designed for businesses needing storage for vehicles, pallets, and heavy machinery, with unique features that enhance functionality:
- Drive-Thru Concept – Tenants can drive through front overhead doors and exit through the back, allowing for easy loading, unloading, and maneuvering of vehicles and equipment.
- 30,000 SF of Outdoor Fenced Parking – Secure outdoor storage for large equipment, trailers, and inventory.
- Radiant Heat & Efficient Infrastructure – Designed for comfort, durability, and long-term operational efficiency.
Overcoming Major Challenges with Proactive Solutions
Like any major development, this project faced unexpected hurdles—but BuildPro’s experience, vendor relationships, and problem-solving mindset ensured that these challenges were quickly and effectively resolved:
Critical Material Delays
A six-month delay on the meter stack for power could have derailed the project timeline. Thanks to BuildPro’s strong vendor network, we sourced the material from another supplier and had it on-site just in time to avoid disruptions.
01
Severe Weather & Muddy Conditions
For nearly a month, rain fell almost every other day, making the site nearly impossible to work on. Instead of waiting out the weather, BuildPro anticipated the problem and took action. The day before a major storm, we cored out bad soil and laid down macadam, creating a stable laydown area. This simple but effective move kept the metal building crew working through the mud, saving nearly a week’s worth of delays.
02
Unexpected City-Approved Design Error
One of our trade partners made a design error, which the city originally approved—only to later revoke the approval and require modifications. Although the situation was out of our control, BuildPro quickly worked with the city, engineers, and stakeholders to develop a creative solution that met code requirements and avoided major delays.
03
Efficiency & Cost Savings Through Strong Industry Relationships
BuildPro doesn’t just build quickly—we build strategically. Thanks to our strong relationships in the steel industry, we were able to reduce material costs by 15-20% for this project. These savings not only kept the project within budget but also maximized the investors’ returns, ensuring they could offer competitive lease rates to future tenants while maintaining a profitable development.
A Turn-Key Project, Delivered on Time
From design and engineering to site development and vertical construction, BuildPro handled every aspect of this project, delivering a fully functional, ready-to-lease warehouse space in just five months.
This project is a testament to BuildPro’s problem-solving expertise, industry connections, and ability to execute under pressure.
By taking a proactive approach to challenges, optimizing design, and leveraging vendor relationships, we transformed a rough-graded lot into a thriving commercial space that will support businesses for years to come.
Commercial
Commercial Warehouse
Iowa Development II LLC
Aspect Architecture
General Contractor
Design-Build
Tenant Improvements
Construction Management
March 2025
25,600
