Officials gather July 30, 2025, for the groundbreaking of the Scannell warehouse project in Fresno. Photo by Dylan Gonzales

Scannell Properties, a national developer, broke ground Wednesday morning on the $100 million Westgate Industrial Center, a landmark that local leaders say shows Fresno’s readiness for large-scale industrial growth. 

The 833,000-square-foot industrial campus will be located near Marks Avenue and Highway 99 and marks Scannell’s first development in the city. 

The Indianapolis-based development company, known for major industrial projects across the country, chose to build the center without securing a tenant beforehand — a move that Fresno County EDC President and CEO Will Oliver called a “huge market signal.”

“This is a celebration of jobs, private investment and our shared commitment to reducing unemployment and expanding economic opportunity,” Oliver said. “So today, nearly five years later, the fact that we’re standing here despite the pandemic, despite the rigorous process that it takes the two projects in California, is certainly a commitment to Scannell.”

Building permits for the first 220,000 square-foot building are expected to be issued in the third quarter.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer praised the project’s economic ripple effects that could benefit the city. 

“This is more than a building,” he said. “It creates jobs, stimulates our local economy, generates revenue for city services — and it says Fresno is open for business.”

The development is expected to generate hundreds of construction and operational jobs. Dyer speculated that the site could ultimately support over 1,000 jobs and added that the project boosts the city’s efforts to open up southeast Fresno for industrial use, which could potentially add 800 acres to the city limits. 

“This investment is not just in this property,” Dyer added. “It’s an investment into working families, our economy, and the future of Fresno.”

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, who represents the area where the project is located, noted Scannell’s responsiveness to community concerns, primarily environmental impact. 

“To their credit, they did four environmental studies and it was so well done that it was legally defensible,” Arias said. “They followed through and were a good neighbor.” 

Council President Mike Karbassi said the project is a testament to Fresno’s changing investment climate.  

“It’s all private dollars, and that really says a lot,” he said. “We are hungry for investment. Bring it on.”

Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld added that collaboration between the city and county governments, developers and the EDC is essential to getting developments like the Westgate Industrial Center approved. 

“When the City of Fresno does well, the County of Fresno does well,” he said. 

Scannell Managing Director Todd Berryhill credited the collaboration with local agencies for moving the four-year entitlement process forward. 

“It was thorough, let’s put it that way,” Berryhill said. “But we’re excited to be here.” 

The project also includes infrastructure improvements in partnership with the Fresno Irrigation District and Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District.