Newell Appointed Snr VP to Lead Office for Ridge

 
Ridge Development, the industrial development arm of Transwestern Development Co., today announces an expansion into the Houston market with the hiring of Ben Newell as senior vice president of the firm’s southern region. An industrial real estate specialist working in Houston since 2007, Newell will lead local operations of Chicago-based Ridge, effective immediately. The industrial affiliate of Houston-based Transwestern Development has developed, constructed and managed more than $2 billion worth of industrial real estate across the U.S. over the past 20 years, specializing in logistics solutions near seaports, airports and inland ports.
“We decided to create a full-time presence in Houston to meet pent-up demand for logistics solutions in the dynamic market,” said Jim Martell, president of Ridge Development. “We see a great amount of opportunity at the Port of Houston for Ridge and Transwestern Development.”
In his new role, Newell will identify development projects in the greater Houston area, as well as value-add acquisition opportunities. He will oversee deals from start to finish by arranging equity and debt participation, securing investment committee approval, hiring contractors, managing project development, leasing space and overseeing the disposition process.
“I am excited to join a firm with such an incredible platform and great reputation,” said Newell. “Ridge has extensive expertise in logistics and supply chain models that will significantly benefit local users.”
Newell joins Ridge from IDI Gazeley’s Houston office, which he established for the firm in 2009. During his tenure he was responsible for all aspects of industrial development, leasing and acquisitions; completing nearly $40 million in transactions and new developments worth approximately $95 million. Newell is a developer associate with the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), serves on the economic development committee for the Greenspoint District and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 2007 from Southern Methodist University.
Since becoming part of Transwestern Development in early 2014, Ridge has been able to capitalize on the in-depth expertise, relationships and market knowledge of the Transwestern family of companies. Ridge is currently developing RidgePort Logistics Center, a master-planned, 2,500-acre, rail-served industrial park located outside of Chicago. The firm also is developing a 1.7 million-square-foot build-to-suit for Michelin within RidgePort. More information is available at https://www.transwestern.net/RidgeDevelopment.
ABOUT RIDGE DEVELOPMENT
Ridge Development is the industrial development arm of Transwestern Development Co., a diversified real estate developer with expertise in all commercial property types. Ridge is managed by the former principals of Ridge Property Trust. Ridge Development specializes in industrial development and investment in state-of-the-art warehouse, distribution and manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Mexico. Based in Chicago, the venture serves North American clients from five U.S. offices and one office in Monterrey, Mexico. The Transwestern Development and Ridge Development teams have developed, constructed and managed more than 138 million square feet of industrial and distribution space.