Major Distributor Inks Landmark Lease for Rare Rail-Served Warehouse

SPRINGFIELD, VA – January 06, 2026 – A major national distributor has secured a massive industrial footprint inside the Capital Beltway, signing a 95,598-square-foot lease at a rare rail-served facility in Springfield. The deal, brokered by Boosalis Properties, represents one of the largest industrial commitments in Northern Virginia for 2025 and signals a strategic East Coast expansion for the tenant, a B2B supplier of apparel and promotional textiles.

The six-year lease at 7201 Wimsatt Road, part of the historic Robinson Terminal complex, underscores the intense competition for prime industrial space in the region and highlights the immense value of specialized infrastructure in modern supply chains. The transaction not only provides the tenant with a critical foothold in a new market but also reinforces Northern Virginia’s status as a top-tier logistics hub.

Northern Virginia's Magnetic Pull on Industrial Tenants

This landmark lease is not happening in a vacuum. It is the latest high-profile example of the powerful forces driving Northern Virginia’s industrial real estate market, which continues to exhibit remarkable strength despite broader economic uncertainties. With overall vacancy rates hovering at a tight 4.9% as of late 2025, the region remains one of the most sought-after industrial markets in the country. This scarcity of available space has pushed average asking rents to record highs, with the Springfield submarket commanding a premium. Recent data shows average rents in Springfield reaching $18.56 per square foot, significantly above the Northern Virginia average of approximately $16.08.

The sustained demand is fueled by a confluence of factors that make the region uniquely attractive to distributors, logistics firms, and e-commerce players. Proximity to Washington, D.C., and a dense, affluent population provides a massive consumer base for last-mile delivery operations. Furthermore, the area boasts an unparalleled transportation network, with the Wimsatt Road facility offering immediate access to Interstates 95, 395, and 495—the primary arteries for commerce up and down the East Coast. This strategic positioning allows companies to efficiently serve not only the D.C. metropolitan area but also major markets from Richmond to Baltimore and beyond.

Adding to the allure is the region's robust and skilled labor pool. Fairfax County and the surrounding jurisdictions provide a deep well of talent necessary to staff sophisticated warehousing and distribution operations. This combination of location, infrastructure, and human capital creates a compelling business case for national firms looking to establish or expand their presence, even at premium rental rates. The limited pipeline of new industrial construction further tightens the market, ensuring that well-located, functional properties like 7201 Wimsatt Road remain highly coveted assets.

The Decisive Advantage: A Bet on Rail Infrastructure

While location is paramount, the deciding factor in this significant transaction was a feature that is increasingly an endangered species in metropolitan industrial markets: an active rail spur. The facility at 7201 Wimsatt Road is one of a dwindling number of properties inside the Beltway that offers direct, multi-modal access via both truck and train. This capability provides a profound competitive advantage that goes far beyond mere convenience.

Industry data reveals that less than 0.5% of warehouses in the United States are rail-accessible, making such properties exceptionally valuable. For a B2B distributor dealing in bulk textiles and apparel, the benefits are transformative. Rail transport is significantly more cost-effective for moving large quantities of goods over long distances, with potential savings of up to 51% compared to long-haul trucking. A single rail car can carry the equivalent of three to four truckloads, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing fuel costs.

Beyond the economic advantages, rail offers superior reliability and sustainability. Trains are less susceptible to the highway congestion that plagues the D.C. region, leading to more predictable supply chain schedules. Environmentally, rail is about four times more fuel-efficient than trucking, allowing companies to reduce their carbon footprint—a growing priority for corporations and their customers. The property’s history is rooted in this logistical advantage, as it is part of the Robinson Terminal complex, a company founded in 1939 with a long history as a freight handler, including for The Washington Post, before consolidating its operations in Springfield. This legacy of heavy freight movement is built into the site's DNA.

A Strategic Foothold for East Coast Expansion

For the unnamed national distributor, this lease is more than just new warehouse space; it represents a meticulously planned strategic entry into the lucrative East Coast market. With multiple locations across the United States and Mexico, the company’s expansion into Northern Virginia establishes a vital hub for its future growth. The selection of Springfield was a calculated decision based on the unique synergy of the property’s assets and the region’s market dynamics.

George Boosalis, Principal Broker of Boosalis Properties, who represented the tenant, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal. "We are incredibly proud to have represented our client in securing this significant 95,598-square-foot lease at 7201 Wimsatt Road, a transaction that stands as one of Northern Virginia's largest industrial lease commitments this past year," he stated. "This move is a testament to the strategic advantage of this location within the Capital Beltway and marks a crucial East Coast expansion for a major national B2B distributor, highlighting the strong demand for prime industrial assets."

The six-year commitment allows the distributor to leverage a dual-pronged logistics strategy. Bulk shipments of apparel and textiles can be efficiently transported from manufacturing sites or other distribution centers via the cost-effective rail network directly into the warehouse. From there, the facility’s prime "last-mile" location and immediate access to major interstates enable rapid, truck-based distribution to a vast network of customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic. This model optimizes both inbound and outbound logistics, maximizing speed and minimizing costs.

This transaction serves as a powerful case study for how national companies are navigating the complexities of modern supply chains. It demonstrates a clear understanding that in a competitive market, securing properties with unique, hard-to-replicate infrastructure like rail access is no longer a luxury but a critical component of a successful long-term business strategy. The lease solidifies Springfield’s position as a dynamic and essential industrial submarket within the greater Washington, D.C. region.