Saxum Real Estate

Primus provided design-build services for this 334,000 SF Greenfield cold storage distribution facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Developed by Saxum Real Estate and occupied by Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics, the facility was designed to support temperature-controlled food distribution, blast freezing, and high-efficiency product handling operations.

The facility features: 

• 35°F refrigerated dock with 34 dock positions

• QFR blast freezing capabilities

• USDA inspection room

• De-slat area

• Driver’s lounge and supporting office space 

These components create a flexible environment for freezing, storage, inspection, and distribution within a single operation.

To improve operational efficiency, the facility incorporates automated slatting and de-slatting systems, conveyors, pallet tilters, and automatic stretch wrapping technology. Together, these solutions streamline product movement between the blast freezer and shipping operations while reducing labor requirements for these activities by as much as 60%.

The project also features an ammonia-free CO2 freon cascade refrigeration system, providing a safer and more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional ammonia-based refrigeration while supporting reliable cold storage operations.

Primus utilized 4D scheduling, integrating the BIM model with the construction schedule to create a visual simulation of project sequencing before construction began. This approach improved coordination, enhanced field collaboration, and helped maintain schedule certainty throughout the project.

The project received the DBIA Southeast Best Industrial Warehouse Project Award, recognizing the successful delivery of a modern cold storage facility that combines operational flexibility, automation, and advanced construction technology.