The Weekly Take from CBRE

Link Logistics’ Luke Petherbridge and CBRE’s John Morris dissect the powerful forces shaping industrial & logistics real estate. They explore continued e-commerce acceleration, the transformative impact of AI, driverless trucks, evolving supply chains, changing warehouse standards and much more.

* Industrial real estate had its second-best leasing year ever in 2025.
* New demand is being spurred by e-commerce and reindustrialization.
* Prime industrial sites are being developed for data center use, contributing to a scarcity of modern warehouse facilities.
* AI and automation transform operational efficiency and future warehouse design.
* Driverless trucks will eventually alter supply chain networks and spatial economics.

Portugal has become an unexpected real estate powerhouse in Europe. Arrow Global’s John Calvao and CBRE's Francisco Horta e Costa discuss the revival of Portugal’s economy, surging investment in hospitality, logistics, data centers and student housing, the resilient Lisbon and Porto office markets and ways to address a chronic housing shortage.

* Portugal's economic turnaround has fueled robust real estate opportunities.
* Hospitality and logistics lead growth, attracting global capital.
* Emerging sectors like data centers and student housing are seeing outsized growth.
* Multifamily housing faces persistent supply challenges.
* The Lisbon and Porto office markets are exhibiting strong performance.

AI’s massive investment surge is reshaping commercial real estate. Chemonics' Victoria Slivkoff and CBRE's Colin Yasukochi discuss AI's influence on tech talent and its role in revitalizing key office markets and driving physical infrastructure needs.

* AI drives massive investment into data centers and physical infrastructure.
* San Francisco's office market is experiencing an AI-driven turnaround.
* The AI revolution is creating specialized talent hubs and increasing demand for sustainable energy.
* AI will boost productivity and necessitate workforce adaptation.

Raleigh has long been one of the best-performing secondary markets. Its arena district is poised to be the next engine in its growth. Carolina Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork and Greater Raleigh Chamber CEO Adrienne Cole discuss how the Lenovo Center anchors a mixed-use redevelopment on state-owned land—structured through a complex public-private partnership.

Public-Private Partnerships: The Lenovo Center anchors an 80-acre, 15-year, $1 billion arena-district redevelopment via a public-private/ground-lease structure.
Talent, Talent, Talent: Raleigh’s three tier-one research universities and multi-node job base keep attracting talent, companies and capital.
By the Numbers: Strong population growth (2.2 million to 2.6 million by 2027) plus low cost-of-living (around 3% below national average) signal opportunity for investors.
Local Color: Lenovo Center preserves a tailgating culture while adding retail, restaurants, structured parking and year-round activation.

Food halls are no longer just a trend—they are a high-impact amenity for improving a property’s dwell time, leasing velocity and NOI. Recorded at Central Perk in Times Square, a quartet of experts from Colicchio Consulting and CBRE explain how the best food halls prioritize operations and programming, new beverage and evening strategies, the lowdown on operator selection and deal structures that offer better risk-sharing and returns.

- Food halls aren’t food courts: Independent concepts + community + beverage drive performance.
- Hybrid work has changed the operating model: Fewer office days demand longer-hour, programming-led models.
- Conversions can happen everywhere: Converting buildings to their highest and best use can work for both offices and food halls, especially in suburban markets.
- Alignment between operators and landlords: Vendor stall flexibility and percentage-rent leases can benefit operators and investors.
- Market snapshot: Colicchio Consulting believes the sweet spot of sizing is around 10,000–15,000 sq. ft. with average buildout costs around $400/sq. ft., depending on the market.