The RealCold Lakeland facility completed by ARCO National Construction has earned the 2026 CoStar Impact Award for Orlando Commercial Development of the Year. Located at 5900 Mt. Olive Road in Polk City, Florida, the 377,317-square-foot Class A cold storage facility significantly expands modern temperature-controlled distribution capacity in Central Florida.
Strategically positioned along the Interstate-4 corridor between Orlando and Tampa, the facility supports one-day delivery to approximately 22 million consumers and two-day delivery to nearly 96 million consumers nationwide. The project strengthens regional and national food supply chains while reinforcing Lakeland’s role as a critical logistics hub in the state.
Designed for flexibility and high-volume throughput, the facility features five convertible freezer environments totaling nearly 289,000 square feet, accommodating temperatures ranging from -20°F to 55°F. A 63,000-square-foot 36°F cold dock, dry storage areas, and 50-foot clear heights maximize storage efficiency and allow the building to serve a wide range of food producers, retailers, foodservice operators, and e-commerce users within a single adaptable footprint.
The project has created more than 100 jobs and serves as one of RealCold’s flagship locations, housing corporate office functions that support long-term employment in the region. Beyond operational impact, the facility introduces new industry presence and ownership to the market, supporting continued economic growth across Central Florida.
From a sustainability standpoint, the facility is pursuing LEED(r) Silver certification and incorporates energy-efficient design strategies including optimized energy performance, enhanced refrigerant management, reduced outdoor water use, low-emitting materials, and indoor air quality controls. A central ammonia refrigeration system with rooftop penthouse units enhances efficiency, while a four-day backup power system ensures operational resilience for critical cold storage functions.
The project team navigated complex development challenges, including extended international lead times for specialized exterior Trespa panels and environmental protections for gopher tortoises and nesting bald eagles. Construction sequencing was carefully managed to comply with buffer zones and seasonal restrictions while maintaining overall schedule performance.
Through its scale, strategic location, operational flexibility, and sustainability-focused design, the RealCold Lakeland facility sets a new benchmark for cold storage development in Central Florida and exemplifies ARCO National Construction’s ability to deliver high-performance industrial facilities that drive long-term market impact.
ABOUT REALCOLD
RealCold is a cold storage and logistics provider focused on delivering flexible, energy-efficient temperature-controlled facilities that support modern food distribution and supply chain demands across the United States.
ABOUT ARCO NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION
ARCO National Construction is a leading design-build general contractor providing turnkey delivery of industrial and commercial facilities nationwide. With a fully integrated approach, ARCO offers planning, design, engineering, and construction services to deliver cost certainty, speed to market, and long-term value for its clients.
