Developer to create more space

Lack of suitable buildings led to development of N. Jackson industrial park

NORTH JACKSON -- A shortage of suitable distribution / warehouse and light manufacturing buildings in the region set into motion a plan to build a new industrial park on 45 acres on Mahoning Avenue, its developer said.

"There doesn't seem like there is a lot of Class A, clean industrial buildings out there," said Greg Toporcer, owner of Top Property Holdings LLC, the real estate investment company behind the project planned near the Macy's distribution center.

Rather, he said, existing structures aren't marketable for one reason or another, so the plan is to build new, flexible space attractive for investment.

"The broad plan is to create five lots that can hold up to one 80,000- to 100,000-square-foot building. We're looking to set up the buildings in 20,000-square-foot increments, so someone can come lease 60,000 or 100,000 (square feet), 40,000, 20,000, or they can lease the whole 100,000," Toporcer said.

Construction on the first building at the site, 13001 Mahoning Ave.,

could start in late September or early October.

Toporcer, of Canfield, who formed Top Property Holdings LLC in February 2022, acquired the land for $325,000 in September 2022.

The first building will have 80,000 square feet with the ability to add 20,000 square feet in the future.

Along with infrastructure, the first phase is expected to cost about $7.5 million, which is about the same cost Toporcer said he expects for the remaining buildings.

It will have 32-foot high clear ceilings, which are ideal for distribution, Toporcer said, and docks.

OTHERS INVOLVED

Toporcer's Top Property Holdings was awarded a $2 million loan from the state to help finance a warehouse and light manufacturing building.

The money also will be used to support building roads and utility infrastructure.

The funding is through the state's Rural Industrial Park Loan Program, which provides low-interest, direct loans to finance development and improvement of industrial parks and related infrastructure.

Approximately 66 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the project.

Toporcer said the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber has been key in developing the project. Other help has come from the Western Reserve Port Authority, JobsOhio, Team NEO and the Ohio Department of Development through the loan program. Mahoning County commissioners and Jackson Township officials also have been supportive, he said.

"In a year where we are receiving historical levels of inquires for Class A industrial sites, this project couldn't come at a greater time. Our lack of inventory has been a big problem and this project helps address that," Shea MacMillan, vice president, economic development for the chamber, said.

"The chamber was thrilled to help Top Property Holdings navigate state incentives to help manage increased construction costs," MacMillan said.

Toporcer also owns Discover Global LLC, a North Lima-based supply chain solutions for metals, plastics and assembling for various industries, as well as DuraTerrain LLC, an aftermarket offroad Jeep and truck accessory company, and RustBuster, another aftermarket company for repair parts of Jeeps and trucks.