Construction of 1-Million-Square-Foot Amazon Distribution Center Underway at Port of Chehalis

Construction has commenced on a massive Amazon distribution facility at the Port of Chehalis, following the tech giant's acquisition of a 34-acre site for over $9.3 million. The project involves the development of a multi-level structure featuring advanced robotics infrastructure and extensive material handling systems. This development represents a significant industrial expansion for Lewis County, promising to create up to 1,000 jobs and signaling continued demand for large-scale logistics hubs in the Pacific Northwest.

The project, located at 1630 Rush Road, centers on a roughly 1-million-square-foot distribution facility designed to integrate sophisticated automation. According to permit applications submitted to the City of Chehalis, the multi-level building will include a full mezzanine, multiple platforms, and a dedicated unoccupied robotics floor. The facility is also planned to house supporting office spaces, break rooms, and locker facilities, all equipped with conveyors and material handling equipment (MHE) for general goods distribution. While some permits suggest a total footprint of up to 2 million square feet including parking and loading zones, the primary structure remains a significant addition to the region's industrial inventory.

Real estate development firm CRG Development and architecture and engineering firm Core States Group are leading the project's execution on behalf of Amazon. Other key contractors involved in the design and construction include Ware Malcomb and Ryan Companies US. The site has a history of proposed developments, with this current project being the third attempt to utilize the land; previous iterations in 2021 and 2023 proposed warehouses ranging from 550,000 to 1 million square feet. The Port of Chehalis finalized the sale of the final 34-acre parcel to Amazon in December 2023 for approximately $9,320,080.18.

Current site activity focuses on major excavation and grading work, which received official approval via a development permit in May. The project is subject to a mitigated determination of non-significance (MDNS) under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), ensuring that the development meets specific conditions to limit erosion, chemical pollution, and infrastructure damage. This determination involved consultation with several stakeholders, including the Washington State Department of Ecology, Lewis County Public Works, and local tribal organizations. Although a definitive timeline for completion has not been released, the ongoing earthwork marks a critical phase in transforming the site into a high-tech logistics hub.