Case study: sale of a 16.5-acre Industrial Outdoor Storage development site near Kansas City at 700 E Walnut Road in Raymore, Missouri, positioning the property for small-bay industrial and Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS) development.
When a 16.5-acre industrial land site in Raymore, Missouri became available for sale, the opportunity aligned with one of the fastest-growing segments of industrial real estate: Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS).
The site at 700 E Walnut Road offered a rare combination of flexible M-1 Light Industrial zoning, strong regional access, and proximity to a rapidly expanding residential population in the southern Kansas City metropolitan area.
The project will deliver new Industrial Outdoor Storage near Kansas City, one of the fastest-growing segments of today’s industrial real estate market.
Recognizing the demand for contractor-focused industrial space in the Cass County submarket, our team at Midwest CRE Advisors worked to connect the property with a buyer positioned to develop the type of small-bay industrial and outdoor storage facilities the market currently lacks.
Led by managing broker Logan Freeman, with Director of Business Development – Land Acquisition & Development Nick Morales coordinating the transaction, the deal positioned the site for a new industrial development designed to serve contractors, service companies, and equipment-based businesses operating throughout the southern Kansas City metropolitan area.
Property address: 700 E Walnut Road, Raymore, Missouri
Property type: industrial land
Land size: approximately 16.5 acres (718,740 SF)
Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial
Primary access: Lincoln Road with proximity to Highway 71/I-49
Location: Cass County within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Development plan: approximately 70,000 SF of small-bay industrial space across seven buildings
Building configuration: units designed to be demisable into multiple tenant suites
Outdoor storage: each unit planned with dedicated outdoor storage yard space
Target tenants: contractors, service companies, fleet operators, and equipment-based businesses
Industrial Outdoor Storage has quickly become one of the most sought-after asset types within the industrial real estate sector. Businesses ranging from landscaping companies and HVAC contractors to equipment service providers require facilities that combine interior workspace with secure outdoor yard space.
In many markets, however, traditional industrial development has focused primarily on larger distribution buildings, leaving limited options for smaller operators that need flexible space and outdoor storage capacity.
The Raymore site presented a unique opportunity to address this gap. The property’s M-1 Light Industrial zoning and strategic location near Highway 71/I-49 positioned it well for small-bay industrial users serving the southern Kansas City metropolitan area.
Recognizing this demand, our team worked to match the site with a buyer who understood both the market dynamics and the long-term potential of Industrial Outdoor Storage development in the region.
Successful land transactions often depend on aligning the property with a buyer whose development strategy matches the site’s potential.
In this case, the buyer brought both local market knowledge and a clear vision for the type of industrial product needed in the Raymore submarket. Rather than pursuing traditional warehouse development, the project will focus on small-bay industrial buildings designed specifically for contractor and service-oriented tenants.
Each building will be configured to allow multiple tenant suites while providing dedicated outdoor storage yards, allowing tenants to store vehicles, materials, and equipment directly adjacent to their workspace.
This development model reflects a growing national trend as companies increasingly seek flexible facilities that support operational efficiency while maintaining convenient access to customers and job sites.
Raymore, located in Cass County within the Kansas City metropolitan area, has experienced significant residential growth in recent years. As new households and neighborhoods expand throughout the southern portion of the metro area, demand for contractor services, equipment operations, and local service businesses has grown alongside it.
At the same time, industrial supply within the immediate submarket has remained limited, particularly for small-bay industrial and outdoor storage properties designed for local service companies.
This combination of population growth, contractor demand, and limited supply has created a favorable environment for developments that provide flexible industrial space for smaller operators.
The project planned for 700 E Walnut Road is designed to meet that demand by delivering functional space tailored specifically to the needs of local businesses operating throughout the region.
The sale of the Raymore site positioned the property for a development designed to address the growing need for small-bay industrial and outdoor storage space in the southern Kansas City metropolitan area.
16.5-acre industrial land site successfully sold in the Raymore submarket
Property positioned for approximately 70,000 SF of small-bay industrial development
Future tenants will have access to dedicated outdoor storage yards
Project designed to serve contractors and service companies operating across the region
Development expected to address the limited supply of small-bay industrial space in the local market
Industrial land sites with flexible zoning and strong transportation access are increasingly valuable as demand for logistics, contractor space, and Industrial Outdoor Storage continues to grow.
Through deep market knowledge and a network of active investors and developers, Midwest CRE Advisors helps property owners connect with buyers positioned to unlock the full potential of industrial land opportunities.
If you're exploring the sale of industrial land or evaluating development opportunities in the Midwest, our team would be happy to discuss potential strategies.
Logan Freeman
Managing Broker | Midwest CRE Advisors
573-694-9669
Logan@MWCREAdvisors.com
Nick Morales
Director of Business Development - Land Acquisition & Development
816-309-3582
Nick@MWCREAdvisors.com
What is Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS)?
Industrial Outdoor Storage refers to industrial properties that combine warehouse or service space with secure outdoor yard areas used to store vehicles, equipment, materials, or containers. IOS facilities are commonly used by contractors, logistics companies, equipment dealers, and service providers.
Why is demand for IOS increasing?
Many businesses require both indoor workspace and outdoor storage for vehicles, equipment, and materials. Traditional warehouse developments often do not provide yard space, which has increased demand for properties designed specifically for Industrial Outdoor Storage uses.
Why are investors interested in industrial development in the Kansas City region?
The Kansas City metropolitan area continues to attract industrial investment due to its central U.S. location, strong transportation infrastructure, and expanding population base. Submarkets experiencing residential growth often see increased demand for contractor services and small industrial facilities.
What types of tenants typically lease small-bay industrial space?
Small-bay industrial buildings are commonly leased by contractors, service companies, equipment repair businesses, fleet operators, and other businesses that require flexible workspace combined with storage capacity.
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