DECA breaks ground on new 855,330 SF Perris Gateway distribution facility in Riverside County, CA

San Francisco, CA-based DECA has announced plans to build a brand new ±855,330-square-foot warehouse/distribution facility in Perris (Riverside County), California. The project, Perris Gateway (PG), is a fully entitled, state-of-the-art speculative cross-dock development situated on over 42 acres in Perris, part of the Inland Empire East submarket. The new warehouse facility is the second phase of the project, with the first phase consisting of +/- 27,000 sf of newly built retail space that began construction along Ramona Expressway earlier this year in March.

“We’re thrilled to be starting construction on Perris Gateway,” said Travis Duncan, VP of Development for Deca, “With grading on the industrial project having commenced, we’re enabling 1,200 construction jobs and over 800 permanent jobs when the building is fully operational next summer.”

DECA recently closed on a $135 million construction loan to fund the development of the new ±855,330-sf warehouse facility. The loan was provided by Affinius Capital and Bank OZK. The equity commitment originated from DECA's principals and Wildcat Capital Management.

“Bank OZK is pleased to once again partner with Affinius Capital to provide financing for this expansive industrial development that will serve as a convenient, flexible and accessible distribution hub,” said Jason Choulochas, Managing Director of Originations at Bank OZK.

The freestanding building is strategically located off Interstate 215, a key logistical route, with high freeway visibility. The property is proximate to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as well as the Los Angeles International Airport and several other airports that stretch from the Pacific Coastline to the inner valley.

“This is the best project, period, in the 20 years I have been on this commission,” said Dwayne Hammond, Perris Planning Commission Chair during the approval of the project in 2023. As part of the overall master plan, Deca will also be widening Ramona Expressway and installing much needed flood control infrastructure to enhance the safety and reliability of Nevada Avenue.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Andrew Starnes, Phil Lombardo and Cruise Adams have been hired to lead leasing efforts for the new warehouse development.

“We are very excited to lead leasing efforts for Perris Gateway, which promises to be a superior distribution location providing users with many logistical advantages. This premier facility will have 40-foot clear heights and will cater to the ongoing demand for efficient Class A distribution space in Southern California for large-scale users to satisfy their supply chain strategies,” said Andrew Starnes, Vice Chair.

“Vacancy in the large block segment of the market greater than 800,000 sf continues to be low. Two primary factors contribute to this: (1) parcels large enough to accommodate large-scale buildings are scarce, and (2) larger entitlements can be more difficult to obtain,” continued Starnes. “Furthermore, DECA found a way to create a win-win for all parties involved to get the project fully entitled and now under construction. The addition of the retail component of the project, which DECA worked to get 100% pre-sold, also brings desired service retail to an underserved area.”

Perris Gateway comprises a single ±855,330-sf Class A industrial building located at the southeast corner of Ramona Expwy and Nevada Rd, just off the Interstate 215 on/off ramp. The building includes modern, sought-after features such as 40-foot clear height, 124 dock and 4 grade loading doors, separate 308 trailer stalls and ample auto parking, heavy power, on-site queuing lane, and future adjacent retail amenities. The location is also near a major freeway system, including Interstates 215, 10 and 15 and Highways 74, 60 and 91.

“This facility will also offer a strong throughput location in Riverside County, and near Los Angeles, with convenient access to the mega ports in the San Pedro Bay as well as numerous airports and transportation routes. The location is also convenient throughout the Southern California region and neighboring states, including critical markets like Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as the U.S./Mexico border,” added Phil Lombardo, Executive Vice Chair.