Advance Auto Opens 650,000-SF Distribution Center

Roanoke, VA-based Advance acquired the 500,000-sf building at 9755 Commerce Circle, which was built on spec in 2002 by a joint venture between Bethlehem-based Arcadia Properties and Parsippany, NJ-based Prudential Real Estate Investors. Michael Bartolacci, a principal in the Bethlehem office of Garibaldi Group, marketed the facility on Arcadia's behalf.

As part of the deal, Advance enlisted Arcadia to expand the building by an additional 150,000 sf. Jarrett Witt, business development specialist with Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., tells GlobeSt.com Advance's total investment in the facility is $50 million, including the $10-million addition. Calls to Arcadia were not returned by deadline.

Because the park is not a designated Keystone Opportunity Zone, which would provide Advance with tax abatements, the state provided an incentive package that included a $1.5-million job creation tax credit, a $1-million opportunity grant and additional funds, aggregating just over $3.2 million. At the opening, Advance will employ 150, and it anticipates creating an additional 350 jobs here, according to Larry Castellani, chairman and CEO.

"This new strategically located facility plays an integral role in the streamlining of our comprehensive distribution network," said Roy Martin, Advance's SVP of logistics and replenishment, in a statement. Advance is the second largest retailer of automotive parts and accessories in the US. auto parts supplier operates 2,652 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.