Spir-It Inc., a manufacturer of customized molded plastic itemslike cutlery and coffee stirrers, has just begun the planningprocess to add the rail spur to 3709 Pipestone Rd. The long-timetenant plans to apply part of its improvement allowance to theproject and use the balance for minimal upgrades to the 22-year-oldbuilding's interior, according to John Gorman with Holt LunsfordCommercial in Dallas, who represents the property owner, DesMoines-based Principal Financial Group.

Gorman tells GlobeSt.com that talks with Spir-It began lastsummer for the lion's share of the office/warehouse, which wentdark about one year ago when another tenant filed bankruptcy. Inthe interim, he says the building, marketed for $3.10 per sf triplenet, was filled or partially filled by tenants on short-termleases. He says Spir-It's lease was set to expire at year'send.

Gorman says the rail spur, which will put a staging area at thebuilding's silo to receive its resin shipments, will be added thisyear. Art Leichner with Dallas-based Jackson & Cooksey Inc.represented Spir-It. "It's good for them and good for everyone,"Gorman points out about the permanent upgrade to the structure.