Publication: Southeast Real Estate Business, December 1, 2025

In an article titled “Twists, Turns on I-85,” the Southeast Real Estate Business magazine explores the demand for manufacturing and industrial space in the Southeast and ways contractors are helping clients overcome uncertainty.

The article quotes Connor Tomlinson, director of strategic relationships at Poettker Construction, as saying that the value-engineered solutions that general contractors can bring to the table are critical in maximizing efficiencies.

“General contractors are continuously evaluating material and labor cost trends and are looking for opportunities to help their clients lock in the best prices early for their projects,” says Tomlinson. “We work closely with clients and subcontractors to get creative, offer value-engineered solutions, mitigate risks, expedite procurement and work with local partners that best suit our clients’ needs.”

Tomlinson says that tenants opting for build-to-suits have notable design trends at the property level. “As the industry is shifting to more build-to-suit developments, we are seeing trends toward more automation in warehouses, an increased emphasis on sustainable operations, more flexible layouts for tenant customization, increased office space, more elaborate front entrance designs and earlier engagement with contracting community for budget and schedule control,” says Tomlinson.

Some of Poettker’s current projects in the Southeast include the 472,960 SF Innovation Logistics Center, the Nevada Logistics Center with 90 panels of tilt-up concrete construction, and the Hunter Army Aircraft Maintenance Hangar with 6 hangar bays. Interest rates, the regional economy, and proximity to key infrastructure make the Southeast a promising market for the construction industry.