Merritt Properties Breaks Ground on Austin Ridge Business Park

The initial phase features two Class A buildings totaling 140,000 square feet, designed to accommodate users ranging from 3,600 to 99,000 square feet. This development addresses a significant gap in the regional inventory, where current construction trends favor bulk facilities exceeding 200,000 square feet. By focusing on smaller, adaptable units, Merritt aims to support diverse tenants including government contractors, technology services, and light manufacturing firms.

Stafford County’s rapid expansion—marked by nearly 14,000 new residents and an 18% increase in private-sector businesses since 2020—has intensified the need for modern industrial infrastructure. Wilson Greenlaw of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer noted that demand for these smaller spaces has consistently outpaced supply. The new facility will offer clear heights between 20 and 32 feet, along with rear-loading docks and customizable floor plans to suit specific tenant operations. This project marks Merritt’s second venture in the county, following the successful full lease-up of their Quantico Corporate Center development.