Warehouses break ground at East Port Gateway Center
CALEXICO — Imperial County, Duggins Construction, Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC), Kilmainham Holdings, local and binational authorities, and guests celebrated the start of two 33,000 square foot warehouses construction at the East Port Gateway Center on Stefani Street with a groundbreaking ceremony.
On Monday, February 27, a symbolic groundbreaking and shoveled toss of dirt inaugurated the start of this project near the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Calexico East Port of Entry.
“I think this is, in our mind, the first of many events that are coming where we’re going to start seeing development at the East Port,” Duggins Construction Vice President Oscar Grijalva said.
Grijalva said the project includes 40 dock doors, additional truck parking, car, and truck driveways, and plans to build offices inside the building.
He said that in 2019, Duggins started working with Kilmainham Holdings – a real estate acquisition, holding, and development company – on the possibility of buying some property and developing a commercial or industrial center.
“Everything that we have all been working on together, I believe is going to start coming true. It is an exciting time,” Grijalva said.
Brian McGourty, a board member at Kilmainham Holdings, said that the 38 acres conforming to the East Port Gateway Center are unique because it is 80% commercial and 20% industrial.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to provide some additional services and hospitality that are needed in this area,” McGourty said.
Imperial County District 1 Supervisor, Jesus Eduardo Escobar, said he appreciated the McGourty family for investing in Imperial County.
“You saw the potential that Imperial County has,” Escobar said.
The estimated contract for the two warehouses is around $10 million dollars.
The project is expected to start on March 2023 and is expected to be completed in December.