Navigating Industrial Real Estate Trends in Virginia's Dynamic Markets

Industrial Real Estate Along I-81 & I-77: Opportunities in Southwest Virginia and North Carolina
Southwest Virginia and neighboring North Carolina are becoming major players in the industrial real estate market. Thanks to strong transportation infrastructure and an expanding logistics footprint, the I-81 and I-77 corridors offer unique advantages for distribution, warehousing, and advanced manufacturing users.

At Elliott Inc., we help clients capitalize on this momentum by identifying prime industrial real estate opportunities and providing strategic guidance from site selection to lease negotiation.

 
Why the I-81/I-77 Region?
The intersection of Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 is a crucial logistics and supply chain artery. It connects:

The Mid-Atlantic to the Southeast
Major inland ports and rail hubs
A network of regional airports and last-mile corridors
This makes it ideal for:

Distribution centers
Flex and cold storage space
Light and advanced manufacturing
Logistics and fulfillment operations
Communities along the corridor—such as Wytheville, Dublin, Radford, Pulaski, Hillsville, and Mount Airy—offer large parcels of zoned industrial land, economic incentives, and a growing infrastructure footprint.

 
Key Industrial Real Estate Trends
1. Growing Demand for Distribution & Flex Space
E-commerce and supply chain optimization are fueling the rise of flexible industrial buildings that combine warehouse functionality with office, R&D, or light manufacturing components.

2. Sustainability & Efficiency
Industrial users are demanding:

Energy-efficient building envelopes
EV charging stations and LED retrofits
Recyclable and local materials
State and federal programs in Virginia and North Carolina support developers who build green.

3. Skilled Regional Workforce
Technical schools, community colleges, and regional workforce boards support a reliable talent pipeline across logistics, maintenance, and manufacturing roles.

 
Overcoming Challenges: Infrastructure as a Catalyst
While some rural areas along the I-81 and I-77 corridors still require infrastructure upgrades, many are receiving targeted investment:

VDOT and NC DOT projects improving road access
Utility extensions and broadband expansion
Public-private partnerships driving rail and site readiness
These improvements are unlocking new industrial development zones and breathing life into underutilized properties.

 
Adaptive Reuse and Redevelopment Potential
Older industrial properties—especially near rail or highway interchanges—can often be repositioned for modern users. Elliott Inc. works with owners and investors to:

Reimagine legacy industrial parks
Improve lease-up through minor capital improvements
Identify incentive zones and grant-eligible sites
 
The Elliott Inc. Advantage
At Elliott Inc., we bring a hands-on, strategic approach to industrial real estate. Our services include:

Site selection and market analysis
Build-to-suit and lease consulting
Investment sales and buyer representation
Adaptive reuse strategy and redevelopment consulting
With a deep network across Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, and into the Piedmont of North Carolina, we help clients tap into one of the most promising industrial corridors in the eastern U.S.

 
Looking Ahead
The industrial market along I-81 and I-77 is poised for continued growth. From new logistics hubs and smart manufacturing campuses to adaptive reuse of aging facilities, this region is evolving fast—and offering opportunity to those who know where to look.

  Contact Elliott Inc. to schedule a consultation and explore industrial real estate opportunities across the I-81/I-77 corridor.