Transwestern Completes 93,198 SF Industrial Lease at Historic Fort Worth Bottling Facility

FORT WORTH, Texas — Transwestern has completed a long-term industrial real estate lease totaling 93,198 square feet at 2817 Braswell Drive in Fort Worth, the firm announced April 30, 2026. The transaction places American Infrastructure and Metal Works at the former Dr Pepper Bottling and Distribution Center, a historic manufacturing landmark near Interstate 35, and required a rezoning of the property to Heavy Industrial use before the deal could close.

Industrial Lease Details and Property Background

The property at 2817 Braswell Drive has long been associated with Fort Worth's manufacturing heritage, having previously served as a bottling and distribution facility for Dr Pepper. Landlord Jill Havener of Havener Companies invested in targeted building upgrades and modifications to prepare the facility for American Infrastructure and Metal Works' heavy industrial operations, according to the announcement.

Negotiations for the transaction began in July 2025. During due diligence, the parties determined that the property's existing zoning classification did not permit heavy industrial use. A rezoning application to Heavy Industrial was subsequently filed and completed following a multi-month review process with the City of Fort Worth. The lease term was not disclosed.

Rezoning and Community Engagement

The rezoning process required engagement with nearby residents and coordination with local government. Fort Worth City Council District 11 Member Jeanette Martinez played a role in supporting the application's progress.

"The project and associated rezoning support economic development in District 11 by expanding industrial capacity, creating jobs and strengthening Fort Worth's position in a key sector of the regional economy," Martinez said in the announcement. "The development team engaged with nearby residents throughout the process, addressed community concerns and worked to build support for the project. That level of collaboration helps establish a constructive framework for future development in Fort Worth."

Todd Hawpe, a Principal at Transwestern, described the transaction as one that demanded flexibility from all parties involved.

"This was a unique transaction that required creativity, patience, and a shared commitment from all parties to see it through," Hawpe said. "American Infrastructure and Metal Works is exactly the type of operator that we were looking for."

Brokerage Representation

Todd Hawpe and Jeff Givens of Transwestern represented the landlord, Havener Companies, in the transaction. Garrison Lackey of HPI Real Estate Services & Investments represented the tenant, American Infrastructure and Metal Works.

Transwestern manages and owns approximately $64 billion in assets across 33 U.S. offices as of April 1, 2026, and operates across a range of property types including industrial, multifamily, retail, office, and mixed-use assets.