CBRE Arranges 44,569-SF Industrial Lease for New Jersey-Based Packaging Distributor in Pittsburgh

CBRE has arranged a 44,569-sq.-ft. lease for Champion Container Corporation, a New Jersey-based packaging container distributor, at Phase I of The River Avenue Distribution & Technology District along the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh with Golden East Investors.

CBRE’s Michael Stuart represented Champion Container Corporation in the transaction.

Champion Container Corporation is consolidating its two smaller local distribution hubs in the District’s Building 8, a 141,460 sq. ft. facility located at 1080 River Ave., in September 2023. The move follows its recent acquisition of Pittsburgh's long-standing Harvey Lipsitz Company in February 2023.

“CBRE worked with Champion Container Corporation to identify a centrally located Class A distribution facility within the City of Pittsburgh. Considering the limited availability of high-bay, urban-infill warehouse product in the city center, 1080 River Avenue provided an exceptional value proposition for location and building quality,” said CBRE’s Stuart. “This facility positions Champion Container Corporation for accelerated growth and coverage in the Pittsburgh market and the ability to expand its reach into new markets. CBRE is thrilled to have helped a leader in the packaging industry make this new investment in our city.”

Originally developed as the H.J. Heinz manufacturing campus, Golden East Investor’s redeveloped Phase I of the River Avenue Distribution & Technology District includes 300,000 sq. ft. of Class A warehouse/flex space across two buildings with a contiguous parking garage with 600 spaces. Building 7 is a 141,615-sq.-ft. facility with 25’ clear height, 10 dock doors and one drive-in door. Building 8 includes 29’ clear height and seven dock doors. Both buildings feature new LED lighting, heavy power and ESFR sprinklers with an intelligent fire detection control system.

Industrial leasing velocity in the Pittsburgh metro totaled over 735,000 sq. ft. in the second quarter of 2023, according to CBRE Research. The City of Pittsburgh remained an active submarket in the quarter, totaling nearly 100,000 sq. ft. of leasing activity and posting a 4.3% vacancy rate.