03-07-2025
Building for the Future: Shell Buildings Powering Economic Growth in North Carolina’s Southeast
‘If you build it, they will come.” This iconic line from the film “Field of Dreams” talks about a baseball diamond in a cornfield, but developers throughout the country have applied the phrase to describe a multitude of projects, from certified sites to new roads to spec buildings. Unlike a “build-to-suit” building, developers construct spec (or shell) buildings without a pre-determined buyer, meaning they are built “on speculation” to attract tenants once completed. These buildings typically feature a design that appeals to a broad market and allows for quick occupancy.
Economic development in North Carolina’s Southeast is on the rise, thanks to a strategic investment in shell buildings – pre-constructed, ready-to-customize industrial spaces designed to attract businesses and jumpstart job creation. Across the region, economic development organizations are proactively constructing these buildings to meet the growing demand from manufacturers, logistics companies, and other industries looking for a fast, efficient way to establish operations.
A couple of examples include a 150,000-square-foot building in the joint Columbus County-Brunswick County International Logistics Park that was built and fully leased well before it was completed in January 2022. Currently Brunswick County is offering its Cedar Hill Road spec building, a massive 204,120 square feet of adaptable space in Navassa, exclusively designed for industrial use. A little more than half the space has been rented already.
In 2024, North Carolina’s state budget included $10 million to help counties add buildings for business relocations or expansions, thus incentivizing counties to add publicly owned structures ahead of securing business commitments. Robeson County was awarded $50,000 in this budget to develop plans for a 140,000-square-foot building in its COMtech Business Park.
Shell buildings offer a major competitive advantage for communities seeking to attract investment. With construction timelines often serving as a major hurdle for expanding businesses, these pre-built structures significantly reduce the time it takes for companies to set up operations. Instead of waiting months or even years to design and build from scratch, businesses can move in quickly, customize the space to fit their needs, and begin production faster. This approach is proving to be a game-changer in economic recruitment.
The momentum behind shell buildings is driven by the region’s commitment to job creation and economic expansion. Economic development organizations recognize that having move-in-ready spaces removes barriers for companies considering North Carolina’s Southeast. This forward-thinking approach ensures the region remains competitive, attracting high-quality employers who are ready to invest in local communities.
Our recent success stories described earlier highlight the impact of these efforts. Companies that may have overlooked North Carolina’s Southeast in the past are now choosing the region because of the availability of these well-positioned buildings. As a result, communities are seeing an influx of new jobs, higher tax revenues, and stronger local economies.
With a business-friendly environment, a skilled workforce, and the infrastructure to support growth, North Carolina’s Southeast is proving that if you build it, they will come. By continuing to invest in shell buildings, the region is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and reinforcing its position as a top destination for industry and innovation.
To locate a building in North Carolina’s Southeast that is a great fit for your business, contact us at North Carolina’s Southeast, ncse.org, or 910-862-8511.