Our News
July 22, 2024
JTEC Energy to Expand Headquarters by Nearly 10,000 Square Feet at Lee + White
Renewable energy company significantly increases lab production at the West End mixed-use destination
ATLANTA, July 22, 2024 – JTEC Energy Inc. (JTEC), a producer of renewable energy, will expand its headquarters at Lee + White in Atlanta’s West End, adding 9,800 square feet to its existing 18,775 square feet of space in Building 1050. The expansion adds much needed lab space and allows on-site assembly, significantly increasing progress toward commercialization of the revolutionary JTEC cleantech energy device.
Cushman & Wakefield’s Porter Henritze and Melanie Garlock completed the lease expansion for JTEC on behalf of owners Ackerman & Co. and MDH Partners. Cori Nuttall and Willie Candler of Lee & Associates represented JTEC.
“Over the past year we have seen the Lee + White complex flourish with new restaurants, businesses and entertainment. We are excited to be growing along with the community. As we had hoped, this location is a great tool in helping us attract the best and brightest talent to come work with us at JTEC Energy,” said Mike McQuary, CEO of JTEC.
JTEC, launched in 2020 by founder Lonnie Johnson, is a green renewable energy company that creates energy by transforming heat directly into electricity. The start-up moved its headquarters to Lee + White in mid-2023. Fueled by industry excitement around its technology, the sustainable energy firm is expanding its operations only a year later.
“Lee + White serves as an incubator for entrepreneurs to grow in a creative and highly engaging mixed-use environment,” said Jeff Small, CEO of MDH Partners. “Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of what we do at MDH, and we’re proud to see JTEC, and the many other businesses at Lee + White, thrive.”
Added Evan Ziegler, President of Investments for Ackerman & Co.: “It’s great to be able to accommodate the growth of this innovative company by providing additional space that will be customized for their unique production and business operations. The combination of high-quality space options and Lee + White’s mix of amenities, including our food hall, are increasingly attractive to high-tech and other creative businesses.”
Lee + White is a hub for technology and innovation, also being home to nanotechnology company Carbice; Triumph Motorcycles, a U.K.-based motorcycle manufacturer; a neighborhood health center for Grady Health System; and KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, a non-profit network of free, public charter schools. A wide variety of breweries, restaurants and retailers also call Lee + White home.
“We are thrilled about JTEC’s expansion at Lee + White. MDH and Ackerman & Co. have put considerable effort into ensuring that the redevelopment seamlessly integrates with the existing community and extends a welcoming atmosphere to newcomers,” said Porter Henritze, Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield.
Acquired by MDH Partners and Ackerman & Co. in September 2019, the 442,562-square-foot adaptive reuse Lee + White development, a transformation of the West End’s Warehouse Row, is a popular destination for breweries, restaurants and retailers. In the current phase of the redevelopment, the investment partners have added a 19-vendor food hall, more than 200,000 square feet of creative offices, new retail and the “Great Lawn” central gathering and event space.
Providing BeltLine access via four direct entrances, Lee + White is located just 0.4 miles from the West End MARTA station and is convenient to all of metro Atlanta’s major interstates, I-20, I-75, I-85 and I-285. A planned MARTA station at Murphy Crossing, recently announced by the City of Atlanta, will be a short walk from Lee + White via the Atlanta Westside BeltLine.
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About JTEC Energy
Former NASA scientist and National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Lonnie Johnson invented the Johnson Thermo-Electrochemical Converter (JTEC), a cleantech energy device that transforms heat into energy more efficiently than any device in history. Led by CEO Mike McQuary, JTEC Energy was spun off in 2020 from Johnson Research & Development to fully develop and commercialize the JTEC device. With over 45 patents, JTEC is applicable for both power generation and refrigeration. For more information about JTEC Energy, visit the company website at jtecenergy.com.
About Lee + White
Reimagining the West End’s former “Warehouse Row,” the 442,562-square-foot Lee + White is Atlanta’s next trendsetting adaptive reuse project. Already a go-to destination for foodies and beer lovers, Lee + White’s next phase of development is bringing creative offices, a food hall, retail, and expanded BeltLine access. This transformation continues in a spirit that recognizes the West End’s rich history. The growing tenant roster at Lee + White includes ASW Exchange, Best End Brewing, Boxcar, Carbice, Cultured South, Doux South Pickles, Honeysuckle Gelato (production), Hop City, JTEC Energy Inc., Monday Night Garage, The Overlook Boulder + Fitness, Plywood People, Westside Dental and Wild Heaven Beer.
The roster at the Lee + White food hall, now open seven days a week, showcases a mix of local favorites and regional and national concepts. Eateries include Cielito Lindo, Costa Coffee, Crème de la Crepe, Dough Boy Pizza, GoodAzz Burgers, gusto!, Gekko Hibachi & Sushi, Honeysuckle Gelato, One Korean BBQ, The Original Hot Dog Factory, Pastaholics, Sakura Sake Bar & Bottles, Sweet Red Peach, Vietvana. West Side Deli and World Chicken. For more information, visit www.leeandwhiteatl.com
About MDH Partners
MDH Partners is an Atlanta-based real estate investment company managing its discretionary funds targeting industrial real estate across the United States on behalf of its institutional investors. Founded in 2005 as the successor to a fifty-year-old local real estate development company, MDH Partners has led and/or participated in over $6 billion (90 million square feet) of acquisitions, developments, and asset management as an advisor and investor. For more information, visit www.mdhpartners.com.
About Ackerman & Co.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Ackerman & Co. is a privately held, full-service commercial real estate firm focused on providing quality investment, brokerage, management and development services in the Southeast. The company, founded in 1967, retains an expert team of 100 real estate professionals. To date, Ackerman & Co. has developed and acquired 44 million square feet of office, medical, industrial, retail and mixed-use space, has 4 million square feet under management, and maintains an investment portfolio valued at $1 billion. For more information, visit www.ackermanco.com
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.
About Lee & Associates
Lee & Associates offers an array of real estate services tailored to meet the needs of the company’s clients, including commercial real estate brokerage, integrated services, and construction services. Established in 1979, Lee & Associates is now an international firm with offices throughout the United States and Canada. Our professionals regularly collaborate to make sure they are providing their clients with the most advanced, up-to-date market technology and information. For the latest news from Lee & Associates, visit lee-associates.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Link, our company blog.