MWI Property Group Breaks Ground on 2.5M SF Gateway Business Center in Geneva

GENEVA, Ill. — MWI Property Group has officially kicked off construction of the Gateway Business Center (GBC), a transformative 211-acre master-planned industrial park that will deliver 2.5 million square feet of Class A industrial space to the western suburbs of Chicago.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held last month, brought together local officials, project partners, and community members to mark the beginning of what is expected to be one of the most significant industrial developments in the region in decades.

When fully built out, the Gateway Business Center will offer spaces ranging from 30,000 square feet to 1.1 million square feet, catering to a mix of tenants—from small businesses seeking modern facilities to large corporations needing expansive distribution or manufacturing space. The development will feature fully entitled lots, speculative builds, and custom-built facilities.

“We’re proud to be part of this 211-acre development with MWI Property Group in Geneva IL, helping bring big plans to life with some serious earthwork,” Plote Construction shared on social media.

The initial scope of work includes:

• 1.2 million cubic yards of earth excavation
• 17,400 square yards of 8.5-inch PCC pavement
• 7,800 linear feet of curb and gutter installation

“Always a good day when the crews are moving dirt and progress forward. Let’s build something great,” the company added.

Major Infrastructure Enhancements

‍The development includes a nearly one-mile extension of Kautz Road, which will connect IL-38 and Fabyan Parkway. This improvement will enhance access not only to the business park but also to the surrounding industrial and commercial corridor.

In addition, MWI will preserve and dedicate a 40-acre protected conservancy along the western edge of the property, ensuring environmental stewardship is part of the project’s long-term vision.

A new Geneva electrical substation, being built on the southeast end of the park, will deliver redundant power capacity while maintaining the lowest electricity rates in the submarket—a key advantage for future tenants. Mass grading for the Kautz Road extension and other park infrastructure is already underway, with completion slated for late 2025.

A Vision Decades in the Making

‍“We are very excited to officially launch this Class A industrial park we have worked for years to assemble, entitle and master plan,” said Justin Fierz, Principal with MWI. “There has not been a new park developed of this size and scale in the west suburbs in decades. We look forward to attracting more world-class companies to the park and the area in the years to come. We already have strong initial prospect activity and look forward to announcing our first building soon.”

MWI Construction LLC will serve as the design-build general contractor, with Pinnacle Engineering and Harris Architects providing engineering and design services.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns praised the project’s long-term economic benefits:
“Marking more than two decades of visioning, planning, strategizing, calibrating, debating and deciding… while always remaining true to our community’s strategic goal of purposeful development and economic vitality – Geneva residents will benefit from the broadening tax base and our community will be elevated even higher as a premier destination to site and grow opportunities. The Class A Gateway Business Center is soon to be known throughout the Chicago region and beyond.”

Economic & Regional Impact

‍The Gateway Business Center is expected to draw national and international companies seeking modern logistics and industrial facilities in a strategic location with access to major transportation routes. Once operational, the park will contribute to Geneva’s tax base, create hundreds of construction jobs, and generate long-term employment opportunities in manufacturing, distribution, and related industries.

With its combination of state-of-the-art infrastructure, environmental preservation, and economic opportunity, the Gateway Business Center represents a new chapter for Geneva’s industrial growth.

Originally reported by Chicago Construction News.