PREMIER Design + Build Group joined Cervenka Development Partners on April 9 to break ground on a roughly 119,000-square-foot industrial building at 20 Dock Road in Denville for Zippy Shell, a fast-growing moving and storage company. — Courtesy: PREMIER
By Joshua Burd
Construction is underway on a nearly 119,000-square-foot industrial building in Denville that will be home to a fast-growing moving and storage company.
Its developer, Cervenka Development Partners, has tapped PREMIER Design + Build Group as its general contractor for the project at 20 Dock Road, with completion slated for the fourth quarter and plans that call for a 36-foot clear ceiling height, 18 dock doors, one drive-in door and parking for 52 cars and 12 trailers. Its future tenant, Zippy Shell, will use the facility as a key distribution center for its logistics operations and to expand its reach across the Northeast, benefiting from a location that is a three-minute drive from Interstate 80.
The three firms were among those on hand recently for a groundbreaking ceremony.
“The acquisition of this property and development of our Denville facility is another example of how we are expanding our property ownership and is a pivotal step for growth in the New Jersey and surrounding markets,” Zippy Shell CEO Mark Kuhns said. “This cutting-edge facility is perfectly located to serve millions of customers and will help streamline our logistics operations, improve service efficiency and support our continued growth in the region. Our goal is to become the nation’s largest portable containerized moving and storage company providing the best solutions for our customers.”
In announcing the project, the firms noted that the site offers direct access to major transportation routes and is 90 minutes from more than 20 million people.
“We are excited to collaborate with Cervenka Development Partners and Zippy Shell on this modern industrial facility,” said Alec Zocher, cofounder and managing principal of PREMIER. “With demand for high-quality logistics and distribution space at an all-time high, this project will deliver long-term value to both Zippy Shell and the greater Denville community.”
Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP advised Cervenka Development Partners on the initial acquisition, redevelopment designation and plan adoption, land use approvals, resolution compliance, the negotiation of two joint venture agreements and the sale of the property. The MSW team included Kellen Murphy, Chris Murphy, Lisa Lomelo, Jessica R. Brenner, Stephanie McLeish and Diana Dziedzic.
Ownership, meantime, has retained JLL Executive Managing Director Chris Hile and Managing Director Howard Weinberg to market the remaining 57,457 square feet of industrial space at 20 Dock Road.
“The strategic location, robust infrastructure and access to major markets make Denville a prime logistics location,” Howard said, citing the region’s extensive highway network, multiple rail lines and proximity to major ports and airports. “We anticipate a great deal of interest in the remaining space at this brand new facility.”
The project team also noted that the development will create more than 80 local construction and trade jobs, providing opportunities for skilled workers. Upon completion, half of the facility will support more than a dozen permanent full-time positions in logistics, administration and operations, while also contributing substantial tax revenue to Denville.
“As a woman-owned development firm, CDP is proud to partner with Zippy Shell to begin the final phase of this transformative project, bringing significant financial benefits to the town of Denville and Morris County,” said Tom Cervenka, a principal investor with CDP. “This groundbreaking marks yet another major step forward in supporting local job growth, business expansion and sustainable economic development in the region with our partner Zippy Shell.”
Cervenka closes on 19-acre parcel in Denville, eyes 119,000 sq. ft. industrial project
