Build-to-Suit Construction for Single-Tenant Commercial Properties
Ground-up build-to-suit construction for retail, QSR, convenience, and professional tenants. CBC-licensed GC delivering to a tenant’s brand prototype on a developer’s timeline.
Build-to-suit GCs are accountable to the developer and the tenant at the same time
Build-to-suit construction sits between a single-tenant lease and a brand prototype book. The developer’s rent starts when the tenant accepts the building; the tenant accepts only when the building matches their prototype. The GC is the pivot point: build to the developer’s budget without losing brand standards, deliver on the lease commencement date, and pass the tenant’s pre-opening walk on the first try. We’ve done build-to-suits including Dunkin’ Donuts Key West and Winn-Dixie shopping center build-to-suit tenants in Key West. Build-to-suit work is part of the bio, not a stretch.
Build-to-suit scope
- Pre-construction with developer and tenant: budget, schedule, brand prototype review
- Sitework: clearing, grading, utilities, parking, stormwater
- Foundation and structural shell to tenant’s prototype spec
- Building envelope: walls, roof, glazing, storefront, signage rough-in
- MEP rough-in coordinated to brand-prototype equipment package
- Interior buildout to brand prototype book
- Site signage, lighting, hardscape, landscape
- Permitting, plan-review coordination, and inspections
- Tenant pre-opening walk coordination and punch resolution
How we run a build-to-suit
- 01
Three-party pre-construction
Developer, tenant, GC all aligned on scope, budget, schedule, and brand standards before mobilization.
- 02
Sitework and shell
Sitework, foundation, structural shell — delivered on the schedule the lease requires.
- 03
Brand-prototype interior
Interior buildout to tenant’s prototype book, with tenant FF&E vendor coordination.
- 04
Tenant walk and turnover
Pre-opening walk with tenant, punch resolution, COC, hand-over to operations.
Why developers and tenants pick us
Documented build-to-suit experience
Three-party project management
CBC 1258403 — Florida CBC
Build-to-suit — common questions
Who hires you — the developer or the tenant?
Usually the developer, occasionally the tenant when it’s an owner-occupied build. In either case the contract spells out which party is accountable for which scope; we keep both parties informed.
Do you handle the entire site, including utilities?
Yes. Sitework, utility coordination with the local providers, parking, stormwater, signage foundations, landscape — all under one contract.
What if the tenant’s prototype changes mid-project?
Documented as a change order with the developer’s sign-off. Tenant prototype changes happen — we make sure the cost and schedule impact is clear in writing before the change is executed.
Can you build to multiple brand prototypes?
Yes. Our bio includes Dunkin’, Winn-Dixie, Dion’s convenience-store-and-gas-station prototypes, and others. Each brand has its own quirks — execution is faster the second time you do one.
How long does a typical build-to-suit take?
A standalone retail or QSR build-to-suit runs 5-8 months from permit to opening, depending on site complexity and utility lead times. Convenience store with fuel runs longer because of tank coordination and EPA permitting.
Planning a build-to-suit? Bring us in early.
Site walk-through and a budget within two weeks. We work directly with your tenant if needed.