Daily News 8-18-2026

Data center developers are tweaking everything from their messaging to their designs while projects stall as backlash towards the facilities explodes across the Valley and the country. While demand for capacity shows no sign of waning as the rush to create capacity for artificial intelligence – data center vacancy is at 1% nationally for the third year in a row – getting local communities on board is now the biggest obstacle for the industry, according to a new report from JLL. More than…»

Though a surge in construction over the past five years has caused Phoenix industrial vacancy to climb into the double digits, there is one segment of the market at record lows: megawarehouses. The Greater Phoenix area is one of the most active logistics markets in the country. The Valley’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, growing population base and low operating costs make it an ideal target for the build-out of supply chains. Corporate retailers, third-party logistics firms and…»

Third-party logistics provider DHL Group has signed on to lease more than four million square feet of industrial space in the West Valley so far this year. Most recently, it signed a lease for a 1.14 million square foot building at VT 303 North – a VanTrust Real Estate project in Glendale with an expected fourth quarter delivery, according to industry sources familiar with the deal. DHL kicked the year off with two major West Valley leases, according to industry reports: first, two…»

Nashville-style chicken, another apartment complex, and a massive industrial complex are under construction in the West Valley. A Dave’s Hot Chicken is under construction in the area of Avondale that borders west Phoenix. The restaurant chain currently has locations in Phoenix, Goodyear, Gilbert and Chandler. Marbella Ranch East, a 144-unit apartment complex, is under construction a few miles east of Luke Air Force Base. Construction will soon start on the Avondale Tech…»

Arizona and Metro Phoenix are entering the second half of 2026 with an economy that remains resilient, but a weakening national labor market, persistent inflation and elevated borrowing costs could create new challenges for the region’s businesses and commercial real estate industry. According to Marcus & Millichap’s August 2026 Economic Outlook, U.S. economic growth continues to track near 2%, providing an important foundation for commercial real estate demand. At the same…»