#United States #Kentucky #London #Cold Storage #Hilco

Overview

Hilco Real Estate Sales is opening the bidding for a prominent cold storage facility located in London, Kentucky, with a deadline set for August 22, 2025. This facility, originally built in 1980 and expanded in 1990 and 2003, boasts a total space of approximately 290,915 square feet, previously operated by the Laurel Grocery Company, a historic distributor that has recently closed its doors.

Facility Features

The cold storage facility includes 203,855 square feet of dry storage and 78,396 square feet of specialized cold storage. The latter features four temperature-controlled environments designed for varying cold-chain logistics:

• - A 5,697-square-foot ultra-low freezer maintaining temperatures at -20°F,
• - A 38,531-square-foot freezer set at -10°F,
• - A cooler encompassing 7,735 square feet at 28°F,
• - Additionally, a 19,313-square-foot cooler at 38°F.

Moreover, the facility includes 7,120 square feet of refrigerated loading docks and staging areas, complemented by 44 dock-high loading doors, nine refrigerated docks, and ample trailer parking with 90 spots, indicating its suitability for both frozen and food-grade storage and distribution. Positioned on over 32 acres of C-2 zoned land (General Business), it supports diverse industrial and commercial applications including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Strategic Location

Situated at a busy intersection, this facility enjoys high visibility and traffic, located just two miles from Interstate 75, a key artery linking the southern and northern United States. With daily vehicle volumes exceeding 27,000 along U.S. Route 80, the site is ideal in logistics or distribution operations. The facility's strategic position allows efficient access to major cities such as Tampa, Atlanta, and Cincinnati.

This region of Laurel County is seeing consistent population growth—an increase from 62,727 in 2020 to an estimated 64,130 residents by 2025—indicating a demand for improved infrastructure. Notably, there is an ongoing $16 million improvement project focusing on Barbourville Road. This upgrade aims to enhance overall vehicular flow and efficiency, foreseeing a significant rise in traffic capacity to 37,000 vehicles per day. Such developments will indirectly increase the property’s visibility and accessibility, making it an attractive option for operations looking to scale up.

Additional Features

This sale package also includes 7± acres of adjacent land for potential future expansions. This adjacent land opens up opportunities for developing additional commercial ventures, potentially including gas stations, convenience stores, or quick service restaurants.

Steve Madura, senior vice president at Hilco Real Estate Sales, remarked, "The sale of this site unlocks a rare opportunity to revive a crucial component of London's industrial infrastructure. Bringing this facility back into operation could help create jobs, re-establish a vital distribution hub, and enhance the supply chain for local communities."

Chet Evans, vice president at Hilco Real Estate Sales added, "With the combination of cold storage capabilities, strategic interstate access, and developable land in a growing market, this represents a compelling opportunity for operators or investors aiming to boost logistics capabilities in Kentucky's business-friendly environment."

Bidding Process

Interested bidders should submit their offers by 5 PM (CT) on August 22, 2025. They can do so via the Letter of Intent available on Hilco Real Estate Sales’ website. Inspections of the property are scheduled for July 10, July 24, and August 7, with appointments required. For further inquiries or to review the bidding process documentation, interested parties can contact Steve Madura at (203) 561-8737 or Chet Evans at (646) 984-4580. Detailed information regarding the facility and the terms of sale can also be found by visiting HilcoRealEstateSales.com.

Conclusion

The availability of this cold storage facility in London, Kentucky, signifies an important opportunity for revitalizing local industry and addressing the demand for increased distribution capabilities amid ongoing regional developments. With its strategic location and infrastructure, this facility is poised to support the needs of a growing market and enhance supply chain resilience in the region.