ATLANTA—Leasing activity started off strong this first quarter of this year for the Atlanta industrial market. Absorption was positive 1.9 million in the quarter, with additional leases totally about 2.2 million in the second quarter, according to the first quarter 2014 market report from Xceligent.

“The current vacancy in the Atlanta industrial market has dropped 1.6 percent since the beginning of 2013 with the bulk warehouse buildings posting the largest decrease of 1.2%,” the report reveals. “This is partially from new companies moving to Atlanta and occupying the new build-to-suit properties. The challenge will be to fill the older buildings.”

Xceligent reports that build-to-suit buildings are breaking ground sooner than speculative buildings. There is currently 3.5 million square feet under construction with companies such as HH Gregg, Amazon and Procter & Gamble occupying buildings this year and Kroger is on the horizon and should be signing a deal in approximately 30 days.

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