In this episode of Adding Value with Shy Assar, I sit down with Bridget Herdman, Principal and Founder of Herdman Architecture and Design, to discuss the front-line trends shaping Southern California’s industrial market. Bridget’s firm has designed millions of square feet for institutional giants like Prologis, Rexford, and Brookfield, including high-profile projects like the 8.5 million-square-foot specific plan in San Jacinto.
As an industrial real estate broker here in the Inland Empire, I see these design and entitlement challenges every day when helping clients reposition assets and secure long-term tenants. Whether you are a developer, investor, or fellow broker, this conversation offers essential insights into what it takes to get a project out of the ground in today’s market.
[00:00:00] – Introduction: The evolving industrial landscape of the Inland Empire. [
00:01:02] – Modern Design Trends: Moving toward a "contemporary office" feel with high-end glazing and glass.
[00:03:21] – Bridget’s Background: Mentorship at HPA and founding Herdman Architecture + Design.
[00:05:49] – Working with Institutional Players: Collaborating with Prologis, Rexford, Brookfield, and more.
[00:06:48] – Tenant Requirements: The shift toward 185-foot truck courts and increased trailer storage.
[00:09:14] – The Impact of AB 98: How new legislation is reshaping site layouts and residential setbacks.
[00:10:33] – The Entitlement Process: Navigating the 6 to 18-month timeline for project approvals.
[00:11:31] – City Dynamics: Working with municipalities like Ontario, Fontana, and Menifee.
[00:15:33] – A Message for IE Asset Managers: Repositioning properties with Shy Assar.
[00:16:00] – Community Concerns: Balancing developer budgets with municipal demands for landscaping and setbacks.
[00:22:18] – California Energy Codes: New solar and EV charging requirements in the current code cycle.
[00:24:08] – Case Study: The Brookfield multi-phase project in Menifee.
[00:28:28] – Large-Scale Planning: Designing the 8.5 million-square-foot project in San Jacinto. [
00:31:34] – Advice for Brokers: The importance of building relationships with city staff and consultants.
Connect with Bridget Herdman: Website: https://www.herdman-ad.com/ Connect with Shy Assar: If you’re an owner or asset manager with a 100,000+ SQFT building in the Inland Empire and have upcoming vacancy, let’s talk. We provide a fresh, aggressive approach to marketing and repositioning industrial properties. 📧 [Sassar@voitco.com] 🌐 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shy-assar-voit-res/] Subscribe for more insights into the IE Industrial Market!
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