In June, Atlanta-based industrial real estate company IDI purchased 42 acres in a business development that’s a quick hop to I-595 and the ports. Next year, it plans to start construction on the first phase of 705,000 square feet of warehouse and industrial space in the county. Scott Helms, senior vice president and regional managing director in IDI’s Fort Lauderdale office, says it “may be one of the last major industrial parks in the area.”

IDI, meanwhile, this year developed 264,074 square feet of spec industrial space in Miramar. Office market vacancies remain high but are falling. Discount and comparison shopping company Saveology is expanding, as is Citrix. Japan’s Nipro Diagnostics bought a building.

Existing properties, says Terry Stiles, CEO of Stiles Corp. in Fort Lauderdale, are attracting interest. “It’s almost like we’re back to the rock-and-roll days. A well-located, well-cash-flowing product — you’re seeing anywhere from 15 to 30 bidders.”

Sector	Vacancy	Rent (per sq. ft.)
Office	19.1%	$27.67
Industrial	8.0	6.63
Retail	9.3	20.32
» 1-Year Employment Change -400 jobs (-0.1%)