The headlines in early 2024 were eye-opening for many: “Southwest Florida Braces for Population Surge as Lee County Nears One Million Residents.”
This forecast stemmed from a January report by the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR). The data projected that Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties would witness some of Florida’s most significant population increases through the end of the decade. The BEBR’s most optimistic projections suggest a combined population of more than 1.7 million by 2030, marking a 23.6% increase.
The ripple effect of this rapid expansion is evident. As we’ve seen, population surges fuel economic progress through a domino effect. Newcomers necessitate the construction of new homes, roads and other infrastructure, schools, medical facilities, grocery stores, and so forth. The ensuing construction boom then drives job creation and ultimately attracts even more residents to our region.
Southwest Florida’s prospects for business development and prosperity have captured attention far beyond our local media reports. Over the last several years, the area has attracted many new businesses while also encouraging existing enterprises to expand their presence.
One such company is Lansing Building Products, a construction wholesaler with a network of 113 locations in 35 states. Last year, Lansing signed a 66,017 square-foot lease, brokered by Gary Tasman and Shawn Stoneburner of Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida (CPSWFL). Lansing’s presence is a further reflection of our community’s economic expansion, and will be crucial for driving future regional growth.
Lansing provides exterior building products, including windows, doors, roofing and insulation to professional contractors. Material procurement is often a hurdle for builders who strive to keep projects on track, especially when demand is high. Lansing will serve as a dependable source to ensure local construction projects proceed without unnecessary delays to satisfy the needs of our surging population.
Lansing pinpointed Southwest Florida as a market with thriving demand for residential construction, making our area optimal for their expansion. CPSWFL helped facilitate their plans through the brokerage’s deep understanding of the local market. Initially, Lansing was poised to lease a modest space that would have been adequate to meet their initial needs. However, Lansing revised their strategy and sought out larger accommodations after analyzing local market data with CPSWFL.
“We showed them the market analytics, the growth trajectory of Southwest Florida, and all of the projects and construction currently in planning,” explains Gary Tasman, CPSWFL’s CEO and principal broker. “We helped them better understand Southwest Florida and identify where they needed to be.”
That location turned out to be a strategically positioned warehouse facility in the Suncoast Commerce Center. The location, in close proximity to I-75 near Luckett Road, will enhance Lansing with getting their products into the market and then onto construction sites.
“Our partnership with Lansing is pivotal because of what they represent to Southwest Florida. They are essential for our continued development and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian,” says Tasman. “By supporting Lansing, we’re also helping to address our community’s needs, and promote expansion and economic vitality throughout the region.”
Because of the Lansing transaction’s potential impact on Southwest Florida’s growth and prosperity, CPSWFL was recently awarded the CoStar Impact Award for Lease of the Year in the Southwest Florida market. This marks CPSWFL’s second consecutive year receiving this prestigious award, which honors the most influential commercial real estate transactions and projects across 128 major markets in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
With nearly 200 commercial sales, leases, and consulting assignments closed annually, CPSWFL takes pride in its role in shaping the regional landscape by recognizing and tackling community challenges. The team’s mission is to not only practice real estate with efficiency and precision but also to leave our community a better place. CPSWFL’s partnership with Lansing is a testament to this commitment.
Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Property Southwest Florida is invested in the growth of our region. If you are an investor, developer, or business owner with interest in the booming Southwest Florida market, the Commercial Property Experts at CPSWFL have the knowledge and experience to help guide you on your journey. Contact our team of Commercial Property Experts by calling 239-489-3600, or contact CEO/Principal Broker Gary Tasman at gtasman@cpswfl.com