Development Solutions, Inc. (DSI) has completed Stockyards Cold, a next-generation cold storage facility developed by Karis Cold in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood, delivering high-performance, temperature-controlled infrastructure to one of the most supply-constrained industrial markets in the country.

Located at 3815 S. Ashland Avenue, the facility addresses a critical gap in Chicago’s cold storage inventory, where much of the existing supply was built decades ago and lacks the clear heights, storage density and operational efficiency required by today’s food producers and logistics providers.

Stockyards Cold directly responds to that demand, providing a high-capacity, flexible facility in one of the nation’s most critical food distribution hubs. The project reflects Karis Cold’s broader strategy of developing market-ready cold storage infrastructure in high-barrier urban markets.

“Chicago plays a central role in the country’s food distribution network, but the infrastructure supporting it hasn’t kept pace,” said Jake Finley, founder and CEO of Karis. “We’ve built our platform around delivering modern, high-performance cold storage in markets where outdated inventory creates real constraints. Stockyards Cold is a direct extension of that strategy, bringing the scale, functionality, and efficiency today’s users require to one of the most important food markets in the country.”

DSI delivered the project through a fully integrated design-build approach, coordinating structural systems, refrigeration requirements and thermal envelope performance from early design through construction.

The facility features a 50-foot clear height, enabling significantly greater storage density and throughput.

The building supports approximately 15,580 pallet positions and freezer operations down to -10°Fahrenheit with flexibility for multiple temperature configurations based on tenant requirements.

It also includes infrastructure for blast freezing and advanced temperature monitoring technologies required by today’s cold-chain operators.

Positioned approximately four miles south of downtown within both the McKinley Park neighborhood and the Stockyards Planned Manufacturing District (PMD), the site offers direct access to one of Chicago’s most established food and logistics corridors. The Stockyards PMD is home to more than 265 businesses and 15,000 employees, with a high concentration of food processors and distributors, making it a strategic location for temperature-controlled operations.

As a final layer, the building’s exterior features a large-scale mural installation by artist David Banegas, incorporating imagery that reflects Chicago’s industrial history and the surrounding community, bringing a sense of place to a highly technical logistics facility. 

“Cold storage requires a level of coordination that goes well beyond traditional industrial construction,” said Jacob Karamol, owner and managing partner of DSI. “These facilities are highly technical environments where structure, refrigeration, and envelope performance must work together seamlessly. Our team is experienced in delivering that level of coordination through a design-build approach, aligning systems early to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and ensure the building performs reliably under demanding operational conditions.” 

The project represents the latest collaboration between Karis Cold and DSI and reinforces continued investment in high-performance logistics infrastructure across Chicago’s industrial market.

The facility is currently available for lease, with divisible configurations ranging from approximately 50,000 to 99,530 square feet. 

The DSI Group
DSI is a full-service construction firm specializing in design-build delivery, complex interior build-outs, and ground-up commercial development. Since 1992, DSI has built a strong reputation for disciplined execution, technical expertise, and a client-focused approach that prioritizes collaboration and transparency at every stage. With offices in Chicago, Oak Brook, Illinois, and Odessa, Florida, DSI’s team of 80+ professionals serves clients across the Mid-west and Southeast, delivering projects that require a high level of coordination, precision, and  performance. DSI’s integrated approach, combining construction, development, and architectural insight, ensures seamless execution from concept through completion. Every project is approached with a clear focus on aligning with client goals, maintaining accountability, and delivering long-term value.

About Karis – Industrial | Cold 
Karis Cold is a private equity-backed real estate investment and development firm specializing in high-growth industrial verticals, with a primary focus on cold storage, temperature-controlled logistics, and mission-critical infrastructure. We deliver institution-al-grade facilities that are purpose-built to support the evolving needs of the food, agriculture, logistics, and data infrastructure sectors. Our model integrates deep expertise in real estate, construction, and supply chain strategy to identify high-demand markets, execute efficiently, and unlock long-term value. Through flexible development and acquisition strategies, Karis delivers tailored, build-to-suit solutions that enable tenants to scale with confidence while driving attractive, risk-adjusted returns for investors. Headquartered in Naples, Florida, with offices in suburban Chicago, and Denver, Karis Cold is strategically positioned to support the growth of essential industries across the U.S.