Build-to-Suit Innovation in the Inland Empire

Link Logistics transformed a former U.S. Army supply depot into an expansive master-planned industrial park in California’s Inland Empire West submarket—one of the most important logistics thoroughfares in the country—and in early 2024 finalized construction of the two-building Palmer’s Oak Logistics Center. Link Logistics pre-leased 1.4 million square feet (Building 1)—marking the largest lease to date in the firm’s history. In early 2025, Link Logistics secured a lease for the 560,000+ square foot Building 2, bringing the 1.9 million square foot development to 100 percent leased.

Acquired by Link Logistics in 2019, the site reflects the firm’s strategic long-term vision of developing in areas with access to key transportation hubs, suppliers and end consumers. Sitting at the nexus of Union Pacific Railroad infrastructure and close to major freeways and the Ontario International Airport, Palmer’s Oak Logistics Center anchors an extensive supply chain network in one of the country’s most desirable and dynamic logistics centers.

Securing a lease for Building 1 required Link Logistics teams to work closely with the customer, a global beverage distributor, to put into place tailored solutions for rail-connected distribution capabilities to service heavy throughput operations. Link Logistics teams drew up a comprehensive plan to utilize in-place rail infrastructure served by Union Pacific, building 2.88 miles of rail at eight spurs and installing staircase bridges over the track to adhere to local fire codes. In addition, Link Logistics installed a 15-foot exterior platform that can store up to 160 rail cars—a significant competitive advantage that ultimately secured the long-term deal. Link Logistics’ flexible design will allow the building to evolve and expand to meet the customer’s future operational needs—for example, enhanced cross-dock capabilities and a site plan that has been mapped out to accommodate 128 extra trailer parking spaces.

In early 2025, Link Logistics teams successfully inked a lease with a regionally headquartered third-party logistics provider for the entirety of the 560,000+ square foot Building 2. Base building specs include 40-foot clear height, an ESFR fire sprinkler system, 185-foot fully secured concrete truck courts, 79 dock-high doors, and 382 auto and 100 trailer parking stalls. Link Logistics Development and Leasing teams worked seamlessly to deliver tenant improvements essential to the customer’s operational needs, ensuring a successful outcome for the project.

Palmer’s Oak Logistics Center brought a much-needed Class-A distribution center to a market that continues to attract thriving, import-oriented businesses. Inland Empire West is approximately 60 miles east of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which together account for approximately 40 percent of all container imports into the U.S.

Future installments of the Link Logistics Development Case Study Series will feature projects that showcase the firm’s strategic focus on developing best-in-class industrial facilities in prime locations.