Green Courte Bets Big on Columbus with 55-Acre Storage Deal

COLUMBUS, OH – March 03, 2026 – In a significant move underscoring the rising value of specialized industrial real estate, Chicago-based private equity firm Green Courte Partners, LLC has acquired a 55-acre industrial outdoor storage (IOS) facility in Columbus. The acquisition, made through its sixth investment fund, highlights both the strategic importance of the Columbus logistics market and the increasing investor appetite for the once-overlooked IOS sector.

The property, an aggregation of eight contiguous parcels along Watkins Road, is situated in the highly desirable and supply-constrained South Columbus industrial submarket. This transaction marks the seventh investment for Green Courte's dedicated IOS strategy, signaling a deep and calculated commitment to building a formidable portfolio within this niche asset class.

The Columbus Advantage: A National Logistics Powerhouse

Green Courte’s investment is a direct reflection of Columbus's cemented status as a critical node in the nation's supply chain. The city's strategic geography places it within a one-day truck drive of approximately 50% of the U.S. population, a compelling advantage for any logistics-dependent enterprise. This unparalleled access is a primary driver behind the region’s robust industrial market.

Recent data from commercial real estate services firms validates the market's strength. Despite a national recalibration in the industrial sector, Greater Columbus has shown remarkable resilience. Cushman & Wakefield reported a five-consecutive-quarter downward trend in the overall industrial vacancy rate, which settled at 6.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025. The market absorbed an impressive 10.3 million square feet of space over the past year, largely driven by robust leasing from mid-sized industrial users. With 12.2 million square feet of industrial space currently under construction, representing a 3.7% inventory expansion, Columbus has one of the most aggressive development pipelines in the country.

This growth is further bolstered by major economic developments, including Intel's multi-billion dollar investment in new chip manufacturing plants in nearby Licking County, which is expected to create a ripple effect of demand for warehousing and logistics support. Organizations like the Columbus Region Logistics Council (CRLC) continue to cultivate a business-friendly environment, developing advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce that now numbers over 80,000 across more than 3,200 logistics establishments.

Unlocking Value in a Niche Asset Class

The acquisition shines a spotlight on the growing importance of Industrial Outdoor Storage. Far from being simple vacant lots, IOS properties are critical infrastructure for the modern economy, providing essential space for truck and trailer parking, container storage, and equipment staging. As e-commerce and complex supply chains strain the capacity of traditional warehouses, the demand for well-located outdoor storage has surged.

Nationally, the IOS sector has experienced explosive growth, with rents increasing a staggering 123% since 2020. Green Courte Partners aims to capitalize on this trend by executing a classic value-add strategy on the Watkins Road property. The firm plans significant infrastructure improvements, including upgrading paving, enhancing security with new fencing and lighting, and, most critically, adding a central drive aisle. Such enhancements are designed to improve site circulation, boost operational efficiency, and increase security—all key factors for attracting and retaining high-quality logistics tenants.

"This acquisition exemplifies our strategy of investing in large-scale IOS assets in supply-constrained, infill locations within key logistics markets," said Jordan Kerger, Managing Director at Green Courte, in a statement. "Columbus offers exceptional connectivity for logistics operators... and this site provides Green Courte with a compelling opportunity to unlock long-term value through targeted capital improvements."

A Strategic Play in a Competitive Field

Green Courte's move is part of a broader, disciplined strategy to build a leading company within the IOS sector. By targeting large-scale assets in key logistics corridors, the firm is positioning itself to benefit from long-term market fundamentals. This Columbus deal, its seventh in the IOS space, demonstrates a methodical approach to portfolio construction.

The firm is not alone in recognizing the opportunity. The IOS market has attracted over $1.7 billion in institutional capital in the last year alone, transforming it from a niche interest into a core asset for sophisticated investors. Other recent transactions in the Columbus area, such as the acquisition of a 20-acre IOS property in the suburb of Pataskala by a partnership between Transport Properties and GFH Partners in late 2024, signal a competitive and active market. National players like Realterm and Brennan Investment Group are also making substantial investments in IOS portfolios across the country, validating the sector's appeal.

By securing a large, well-located asset in a top-tier logistics market, Green Courte is staking a significant claim in this increasingly competitive landscape. The firm's focus on operational improvements differentiates its strategy, aiming not just to own assets but to enhance their fundamental value for both tenants and investors.

The Property and Its Untapped Potential

The 55-acre site on Watkins Road presents a unique canvas for Green Courte's value-add approach. The property already includes 28,000 square feet of existing building coverage, but its primary value lies in the expansive land and its prime location. Situated between Rickenbacker International Airport, a major cargo hub, and John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and with easy access to three interstate highways and rail service, the site is ideally positioned for a variety of logistics, warehouse, and storage users.

The planned improvements, particularly the addition of a central drive aisle, will be transformative. This key piece of infrastructure will dramatically improve circulation, allowing for more efficient movement of large vehicles and reducing turnaround times—a critical metric for logistics operators. Upgraded paving will support heavy equipment and reduce wear and tear, while modern fencing and lighting will provide the security necessary for storing high-value assets outdoors. These targeted capital improvements are designed to reposition the property as a premier IOS facility in the South Columbus submarket, capable of commanding higher rents and attracting a stable tenant base for the long term.