Just 30 minutes north of Charlotte along the I-85 corridor, Rowan County, North Carolina, has been quietly — and quickly — building a reputation as one of the most proactive and product-ready communities in the Southeast.
Over the last several years, Rowan County has embraced a forward-thinking strategy centered on speculative industrial development. The results speak for themselves: nearly 19 million square feet of Class A industrial space is now planned, under construction, or available — and developers, employers, and site selectors are taking notice.
“Speed to market is a top priority for expanding companies, and our ability to offer move-in ready product has put Rowan County at the top of more site searches than ever before,” said Rod Crider, President of the Rowan EDC. “The investment in product development continues to pay dividends in new jobs, business growth, and broader economic opportunity.”
A Pipeline with Power
The county’s speculative building boom is no accident. It’s the result of strategic planning, strong public-private collaboration, and a keen understanding of what today’s industries need. Rowan’s location, labor force, and logistics advantages are now backed by a robust inventory of modern, flexible industrial product.
One of the newest additions is Landis Ridge, a 149.6-acre Class A business park from developer Jackson-Shaw. Located less than a mile from I-85’s Exit 65 in the Town of Landis, the park will deliver 1.3 million square feet of speculative space across multiple phases. Construction on Phase One is already underway, with three buildings in development. Designed for logistics, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing, Landis Ridge represents a major industrial expansion and a vote of confidence in Rowan County’s growth potential.
Just off I-85, Rowan County is home to three standout industrial developments:
Overlook 85, located at Exit 65, offers two modern buildings ranging from 161,000 to 730,000 square feet—providing the flexibility growing companies need. With direct interstate access and scalable footprints, it’s quickly gaining traction among businesses seeking speed, space, and connectivity all in one location.
Rusher Farms Commerce Center, at Exit 79, features two Class A buildings totaling more than 614,000 square feet. With premium amenities and exceptional visibility along I-85, it has become one of the most desirable industrial destinations for companies looking to expand or relocate in the region.
Lakeshore Corporate Park in Kannapolis, developed by Fortius Capital, is raising the bar for industrial design and functionality. Positioned off Lane Street at Exit 63, its prime location and modern buildout make it an excellent fit for manufacturing, logistics, or corporate operations.
Building 2 — the park’s standout facility — offers 293,553 square feet of space, with a 950’ x 310’ footprint, 36’ clear heights, 7” floor thickness, 41 dock-high doors, two drive-in doors, and an ESFR system. It also includes nearly 2,000 square feet of spec office space, generous trailer and vehicle parking, and efficient column spacing, all in a park-like setting tailored for growth.
The Results Are In
These developments are more than just buildings — they’re magnets for investment. Rowan County has attracted major national brands including Macy’s, Chewy, DHL Supply Chain, and Chick-fil-a Supply, all of whom cited site readiness and strategic location as key reasons for selecting Rowan. The county’s focus on proactive product development has given it a clear advantage in a competitive regional market.
“In many ways, our speculative development strategy has become the backbone of our business recruitment success,” said Crider. “It shows companies that we’re ready for them — not just in words, but in buildings, infrastructure, and workforce.”
The Rowan EDC continues to work closely with developers, utility providers, state agencies, and local government to ensure these sites are not only shovel-ready but market-ready — with a concierge-style approach to permitting, incentives, and connectivity.
Positioned for What’s Next
Rowan County’s success in speculative development is not just about what’s already built — it’s about what’s possible. With room for growth, a skilled labor force, and a track record of success, the county remains one of the most promising industrial markets in the Charlotte region.
“Our pipeline is strong and growing,” added Crider. “As we continue to build more product and strengthen our relationships with developers and site selectors, Rowan County is proving that you don’t have to be a big city to compete at a big-time level.”
From logistics to life sciences, advanced manufacturing to e-commerce, Rowan County is a place where opportunity is built — literally — from the ground up.
To learn more about available industrial space in Rowan County, visit www.RowanEDC.com, contact Rod Crider at rcrider@rowanedc.com, or call 704-637-5526.
