Students from Southridge Tech Middle School, a technology and engineering focused school, attended the groundbreaking celebration at the project site and had the opportunity to hear from and interact with several professionals from both the public and private sectors, and specifically focused in the areas of planning, architecture, engineering, development, construction, and brokerage. The celebration was also attended by development partners, construction workers, local city officials, and members of the media.
“Breaking ground on Birtcher Logistics Center Fontana is a great milestone for the company and we wanted to find a meaningful way to engage with the next generation and provide an opportunity for students to grow and learn through a hands-on experience with our project team and the city,” said Brooke Birtcher Gustafson, Managing Director of Birtcher Development. “Knowing that career paths don’t always fall into a straight line, we wanted to provide a creative space where the students could reflect on what they’re learning in the classroom while gaining visibility into the different workforce avenues their education may take them.”
“Students today are the architects, planners, and builders of tomorrow. Yet, for many, these career options are hidden behind roles they see in their communities and in the media,” said Ginger Ontiveros, CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent. “Developments like Birtcher Logistics Center Fontana hold a wide variety of high-wage career opportunities for the future workforce and it is refreshing to be part of the proactive approach Birtcher has taken in partnering with schools to help students prepare for the best of them. Whether the students at Southridge Tech become local logistics leaders or move on to find success elsewhere, this career awareness experience will be a part of their journey.”
“Through our collaboration with Birtcher, our students had the opportunity to engage in a real-world experience that gave them exposure to career options, including the critical manufacturing industry, here in our Southridge community. Additionally, they experienced first-hand the importance of building their problem-solving and necessary thinking skills, and grit and perseverance, which are essential for success in the workforce. Birtcher has made significant efforts to impact and contribute to the broader workforce through community outreach, and we are excited to work with them to build on these efforts and make a meaningful impact on our community. This collaboration creates a bridge between education and the workforce, providing a pathway for our students to understand how their education can translate into meaningful careers and contribute to the economic development of our community,” said Dr. Rogers, Principal of Southridge Tech Middle School.
“My favorite part of the day was hearing from the professionals. I want to work in construction and learned that communication is key. It was fun to hear more about the careers we can have when we’re older,” said Thomas, a Southridge Tech student.
As part of the event, six industry professionals spoke to students about their areas of expertise in planning, architecture, engineering, development, construction, and brokerage. The students enjoyed lunch with those same professionals and other attendees who took the time to answer questions and engage in career path discussions. As a leave behind, the students wrote on individual tiles the career path that most excited them and any other thoughts about the day, which will be installed at the project upon completion.
“Professionals shared inspiring stories and we’re hopeful the students were encouraged to start thinking about what industries excite them, and how collaboration and communication can help positively impact their future,” added Birtcher Gustafson.
The 330,048-square-foot state-of-the-art distribution facility is expected to be completed in early 2024. Located on the southwest corner of Banana Avenue and Santa Ana Avenue in Fontana, it will consist of the following features:
- 36’ clear height
- 185’ truck court fully secured
- 51 dock-high doors
- 78 trailer parking stalls and 91 auto parking stalls
- Approximately 5,100 square feet of ground-floor office space
- Approximately 4,300 square feet of mezzanine office space
- ESFR sprinkler system
“Many have found fulfilling careers in our industry, myself included,” said Tony Perez, Senior Vice President of Oltmans Construction Co. “Construction is constantly advancing and adopting new technologies with many of the most exciting opportunities in the communities where these students live. It’s exciting to be a part of developments led by engaged industry leaders like Birtcher, who are doing their part to positively shape the future landscape of our industry. We are excited to engage with the bright minds at Southridge Tech and hopefully inspire them to explore new career paths they may not have considered before.”
The listing brokers for Birtcher Logistics Center Fontana include Gerry Harvey and Craig McKenzie with Kidder Matthews.
About Birtcher Development LLC
Newport Beach, California-based Birtcher Development LLC is a fifth generation, family industrial real estate company founded in 1939. Since its inception, Birtcher has acquired, managed, or developed more than 65 million square feet as a result of more than 260 projects valued in excess of $7 billion dollars. The company develops speculative “Big Box” logistics warehouse facilities ranging from 100,000 square feet in the high-demand major metro infill markets to 1.5 million square feet in the highest-barrier-to-entry markets of the U.S. that also demonstrate the highest absorption. Learn more at Birtcher.com.
