Clay Breaks Ground on Spec Warehouse Project in Pasadena

PASADENA, Texas – Clay Development & Construction Inc. has begun construction on Energy Commerce Phase II, a two-building, 334,360-SF warehouse/distribution project in Pasadena on the east side of Houston.

The spec project is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2018.

“The Port of Houston area is thriving with dramatic expansion in Gulf Coast refinery output, exports of crude oil and plastic pellets, and consumer product distribution to Texas’ growing population,” says Robert Clay, president of Houston-based Clay Development & Construction. “Demand for new construction has surged among companies seeking the latest in building design to optimize operational efficiencies and functionality. Their requirements include wider column spacing, higher clear heights, more trailer parking options and other features to accommodate distribution, packaging, storage and business operations.”

John Simons and Holden Rushing of NAI Partners will handle sales and leasing for Energy Commerce II. Trustmark Bank provided construction financing.

**Phase Two of Energy Commerce Center is under construction in Pasadena.**

The new development is part of Energy Commerce Business Park, a 45-acre deed-restricted business park on Sam Houston Parkway/Beltway 8, just south of Highway 225 in the Port of Houston submarket. The two buildings, a 101,400-SF rear-load and a 232,960-SF, cross-dock facility, will be built.

The industrial real estate market in Houston has been strong and is destined to be stronger as six new chemical plants open by 2020. Plastic pellet exports from the Port of Houston are projected to increase by 20 percent.

Demand for warehouse space is also growing as Houston gains in prominence as a distribution point for retailers.

This two-building project is Phase Two of Clay’s work at Energy Commerce Business Park. Phase One completed in 2016, includes two buildings totaling 287,560 square feet. Phase One is 70 percent leased to DNA Motoring, Safelite, Cintas First Aid & Safety, Applied Industrial Technologies, JGB Enterprises, HMT, LLC and Southern Dock Products. In 2015, First Industrial Realty Trust. acquired Energy Commerce Business Park Phase One.