Is Your Industrial Building Obsolete or a Hidden Opportunity?

Industrial real estate is on fire right now. But let’s be honest, not every building is built for today’s tenants. If your ceilings are low, your loading docks only fit a U-Haul, or your truck court feels tighter than a downtown parking garage, you’re probably asking yourself: is my building obsolete?

Here’s the truth. Obsolete doesn’t mean worthless. It means it’s time to rethink.

Why Tenants Swipe Left on Older Buildings

Modern users expect modern functionality. Here’s what usually makes or breaks a deal:

• High clear heights - Tenants want racking space, not just room to walk around.

• Efficient loading - Faster, safer movement of goods.

• Wide turning radiuses - Today’s transport trucks need space to maneuver.

• Upgraded power - Advanced machinery and automation don’t run on old wiring.

If your property falls short, you’re not competing. You’re sitting vacant. And vacancy is the most expensive thing a landlord can own.

How to Turn Outdated Into Opportunity

Too many owners assume that if their building is old, it’s useless. Not true. You have options.

1. Repurpose the Space

Low clear? That might actually be perfect for flex space, a data storage facility, a showroom, or small-bay storage. Not every tenant needs 32-foot ceilings.

2. Target the Right Users

Light manufacturers, local service businesses, and specialized trades often value affordability over height and power. Match your marketing to the industries that benefit most.

3. Upgrade Select Features

Sometimes small fixes such as resurfacing a truck court, boosting lighting, or adding extra power are enough to make an older building competitive without full-scale redevelopment.

Don’t Compete Where You Can’t Win

If you’re chasing the same tenants who want brand-new distribution centres, you’ll always lose. But when you reposition your property strategically, you can turn a so-called problem building into a profitable, cash-flowing asset.

Obsolescence is not the end of the story. It is a sign to adjust your approach.

The Industrial Market Still Wants You

The industrial market in Burlington and across the GTA is still incredibly active. Tenants are searching every day. What they want is function, not frustration.

So ask yourself:

• Am I targeting the right tenants?

• Have I explored alternative uses?

• Would strategic upgrades put my property back in demand?

👉 Stop giving free tours to dust bunnies. Let’s turn your vacancy into opportunity. 

I’m That Commercial Realtor, and I help owners across Burlington and the GTA reposition, lease, or sell industrial properties so they work for today’s market.

Let’s turn your vacancy into opportunity.

📩 [email protected]
🌐 williamsoncommercialrealty.com

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