OAK BROOK, IL – CenterPoint Properties announces its selection by CRRC Sifang America, Inc. (CRRC) to develop a state-of-the-art rail car assembly facilty on 45.36 acres located at 13535 S. Torrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. The 380,944 SF facility includes 78,000 SF of warehouse, 35,192 SF of office and 267,752 SF designated for final rail car assembly and testing. The building footprint also incorporates room for future growth and expansion of CRRC’s North American production capabilities. The parent company of CRRC, CRRC Corporation, is the largest transit rail car manufacturer in the world. The Chicago assembly facility will serve initially to fulfill a contract between CRRC and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for new rail cars. CRRC will assemble, test, and deliver the CTA’s new, modern 7000 Series transit cars, with the first cars expected by 2019. “We’re excited to begin a partnership with CRRC along with the cooperation of the City of Chicago for the construction of this important production plant,” said Nate Rexroth, Executive Vice President at CenterPoint. “Given CRRC’s long-term commitment to the CTA, we’re proud to develop the facility within the City of Chicago and to build a building that meets CRRC’s exacting requirements, said said Edward Harrington, Senior Vice President of Development at CenterPoint. “Our organization is perfectly equipped to develop such a project.” The building is being designed and constructed to meet the City of Chicago Sustainable Development Policy and is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to achieve a LEED Certification upon completion. This brownfield redevelopment features several sustainable and innovative features including LED lighting for both site and internal production lighting, skylights for natural lighting, water efficient fixtures, natural landscaping, and storm water management with naturalized ponds and conveyance channels. CenterPoint will be joined by the City of Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority and CRRC for a groundbreaking at 13535 S. Torrence Avenue at 1:45pm on Thursday, March 16th to celebrate the next generation of rail cars.