DUBUQUE, IA – Outfly Development, a Dubuque-based real estate development and operating company, marked the groundbreaking of the Verena Court project, a multi-phase industrial development in the Dubuque Industrial Center South. Phase I features a 60,000-square-foot build-to-suit facility serving as the new flagship branch for HODGE and its material handling business unit, with completion targeted for the first half of 2027. The development also includes approximately five adjacent acres designated for Phase II, a flexible build-to-suit opportunity with capacity for up to 100,000 square feet of industrial space, configurable for a single user or multiple tenants.
The catalyst for the project was initiated when a Dubuque-based company approached Outfly Development looking for space to support its expanding operations. Outfly saw opportunity in a building they owned at 7465 Chavenelle Road, which was leased to HODGE for its material handling business unit. Outfly worked with HODGE on the timing and logistics of relocating the branch and worked with the City of Dubuque to acquire industrial land for a multi-phase development. The result is a transaction that allows the local company to expand at 7465 Chavenelle, gives HODGE a purpose-built flagship facility, and adds approximately five acres of build-ready industrial capacity to the Dubuque Industrial Center.
“This wasn't a simple transaction. There were a lot of pieces that had to come together at the same time, and a lot of people who had to be willing to move with us. When that lines up, you end up with a project that is a win for everyone involved,” said Michael Fullan, Principal of Outfly Development. "Tertiary markets like ours don't often see speculative industrial development because the risk is too high for most developers, yet we know there is real demand. By pairing a known build-to-suit in Phase I with a flexible build-to-suit opportunity in Phase II, we're able to bring new industrial supply online in a way that makes sense for the market and for the city."
Phase I: A New Flagship Facility for HODGE
Phase I is a 60,000-square-foot build-to-suit facility serving as the new flagship material handling branch for HODGE. Purpose-built to match the way HODGE operates, the facility features a modernized operational layout, dedicated space for customer support, and state-of-the-art training facilities for service technicians. Designed with room to grow, it will also have the capacity to support HODGE's broader operating units beyond material handling as the company continues to expand.
""This new facility is a major investment in our customers and our team. The expanded footprint allows us to evolve our operations, create state-of-the-art training opportunities for our service technicians, and better support customers across the region. We're proud to anchor the Verena Court project and to continue investing in Dubuque."
- Zach Hodge, Co-CEO
Phase II: Flexible Build-to-Suit Opportunity on Approximately Five Acres
Phase II of the Verena Court project will be developed on approximately five adjacent acres and is positioned as a flexible build-to-suit opportunity. The site has capacity for up to 100,000 square feet of industrial space and can be configured for a single user or multiple tenants, depending on demand. The site offers direct access to Seippel Road and proximity to U.S. Highway 20. Outfly is actively engaging prospective users for Phase II and will move forward as build-to-suit opportunities emerge.
Learn more: outflyco.com/verena-court
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ABOUT HODGE:
HODGE is a fourth-generation, family-owned business headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. They are a leading provider of material handling equipment and service, logistics, and industrial real estate solutions. Together, these complementary business units provide the support modern distribution and manufacturing companies need. With a continued focus on operational excellence and thoughtful growth, HODGE remains committed to helping customers move, store, and scale. Learn more and see open opportunities at hodgecompany.com/careers.