Blue Rock’s Success with Philadelphia Project Highlights Safety and Timely Delivery

  • Client:                                DH Property Holdings
  • Project:                              5000 Richmond
  • Location:                           Philadelphia, PA
  • Sizes:                                   Building 1: 348,210 SF; Building 2: 410,845 SF
  • Architect:                           Mancini Duffy
  • Responsibility:               Construction Management
  • Construction Period:   20 months

Blue Rock Construction is excited to announce the successful completion of the 5000 Richmond Street project for DH Property Holdings in Philadelphia, PA.

This significant achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and timely delivery, showcasing Blue Rock’s dedication to excellence in the construction field.

 

Project Overview

Nestled in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia, this project features two state-of-the-art speculative distribution facilities on a challenging 67-acre site that was previously a chemical plant.

  • Building 1: 348,210 square feet, with 40-foot ceiling heights, 60-foot speed bays, and 22 loading dock doors.
  • Building 2: 410,845 square feet, offering similar column spacing, 125 trailer parking stalls, and 50 loading dock doors.

We commenced construction on April 1, 2023, and proudly completed the project in January 2025 — two months ahead of schedule, a remarkable feat given the site’s complex history.

Safety First

Our exemplary safety record stands out as a major accomplishment of this project. Over 465 working days, Blue Rock maintained a clean slate with no major illnesses or injuries.

“Our safety accomplishment is the proudest part of the project, alongside how our team tackled the challenges presented by the site,” said Blue Rock President Steve Kettelberger.

Throughout construction, the Blue Rock project team navigated various obstacles, including managing contaminated soils, setting up decontamination stations, and ensuring comprehensive air monitoring.

Blue Rock also effectively addressed ongoing sewer replacement projects, underground obstructions, and delays in power delivery — all while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and staying ahead of schedule.

Client Satisfaction

“When it came time to talk about this project with potential lenders, it came up multiple times who’s the best fit for this project,” said Michael Bennett, vice president and head of development for DH Property Holdings. “Who can do this? Who has the knowledge and strength of portfolio in the market, and Blue Rock came up, and it never wavered from that point.”

As we celebrate the completion of the 5000 Richmond Street project, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. This achievement not only reflects Blue Rock’s commitment to safety and quality but also our dedication to building lasting partnerships.

Growing footprint

Blue Rock Construction continues solidifying its position as a premier commercial contractor in Philadelphia.

Blue Rock has constructed nearly 4 million square feet of diverse projects in Philadelphia, encompassing industrial, commercial, retail, healthcare, education, and acclaimed historic developments.

Along with 5000 Richmond Street, Blue Rock delivered a 251,000-square-foot warehouse for Link Logistics on Milnor Street, which features immediate access to Interstate 95.

Currently, Blue Rock is constructing a 192,000-square-foot building for the Rockefeller Group off Torresdale Avenue in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia.

Additional projects in Philadelphia include partnerships with Urban Outfitters; Free People; Anthropologie; Penn Jersey Paper; Pizzeria Vetri; PerPay; the National Constitution Center; Penn Dental School; Drexel University; Temple University; Osteria; Carson Companies; Origlio Beverage; and the United States Mint.

Blue Rock President Steve Kettelberger gets a fist pump and Thank You cards while handing out backpacks at the Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club.

Community Impact

Blue Rock’s development at 5000 Richmond Street represents more than just a site transformation; it embodies a commitment to revitalizing the Bridesburg community.

  • The project included extensive remediation of the 67-acre area, formerly home to a Rohm and Haas chemical plant, turning a contaminated space into a productive hub.
  • Through proactive community engagement, including meetings to address local concerns, Blue Rock fostered an open dialogue that prioritized resident input.
  • Blue Rock’s partnership with the Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club highlighted its community commitment, donating 200 school backpacks and financial support to empower local youth. Additionally, Blue Rock’s makeover of the club’s outdoor street hockey rink enhanced recreational opportunities for children in the area.

Overall, these initiatives not only improved the environmental landscape but also forged stronger community connections, reflecting Blue Rock’s dedication to both social responsibility and sustainable development.

Executive program officer Jerry Houck (second from right) and the children at the Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club presented Blue Rock with a beautiful “Thank You Blue Rock!” banner that was signed by the kids.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to continue our journey of excellence in future projects, focusing on innovation and community impact.

If you’re looking for a construction partner that prioritizes safety, quality, and client satisfaction, we invite you to reach out to us for a consultation. Together, we can build a legacy of success in the communities we serve.

About DH Property Holdings

Founded in 2016 by Dov Hertz, the New York City-based company has unparalleled experience in the design, development, and repositioning of urban infill logistics facilities nationally. DHPH currently has over 6 million square feet, or over $2.5 billion, of Class-A urban warehouses complete or underway throughout the Northeast, including New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. DHPH has been at the forefront of the industrial logistics trend since its founding and is now completing the first multi-story urban distribution warehouse on the East Coast.

Thank You

Blue Rock enjoyed a successful project for DH Property Holdings by partnering with some of the best companies in the business. Blue Rock extends our appreciation to the following organizations for a job well done!

Advanced Cleaning Solutions, LLC  ●  American Overhead Dock & Door  ●  Applewood Enterprises  ●  Armor Masonry  ●  Bencardino Excavating  ●  Bohler Engineering  ●  Bowe & Gant Electrical Services  ●  Bridesburg Boys & Girls Club  ●  Bridesburg Community Partners  ●  Bridesburg Pub  ●  Bridesburg Recreation Center  ●  Builders Door & Hardware  ●  Ceilings Inc.  ●  Center Metal Fabricators  ●  Conewago Manufacturing  ●  Creative Architectural Metals  ●  E.B. O’Reilly  ●  Eagle Fence  ●  Edgeboro International  ●  EZ Signs  ●  Geo-Technology Associates  ●  GMAC Construction  ●  Ground/Water Treatment & Technology  ●  Hardcourts Flooring  ●  HazTek Inc.   ●  HK Panel Systems  ●  Holzhauer Tile Co.  ●  JAD Development Co.  ●  Keller North America  ●  Krick Wuder Saloon & Restaurant  ●  LandTech Enterprises  ●  Mancini Duffy  ●  McCombs Steel  ●  Mike Kobithen Roofing & Insulation  ●  Mobile Video Guard  ●  Nico Landscaping  ●  PECO  ●  PennDOT  ●  Peter Bradley Construction  ●  Philadelphia Dept. of Licenses & Inspections  ●  Philadelphia Gas Works  ●  Philadelphia Water Department  ●  Revolution Recovery  ●  Rosati Plumbing  ●  Roux Inc.  ●  S.A. Comunale  ●  Severud Associates  ●  Shamrock  ●  South Jersey Glass & Door  ●  Taylor Made Custom Cabinetry  ●  The Rock Brook Group  ●  United Rentals