Massive Spokane distribution center called ‘Project Rose’ smells a lot like Amazon

New details are emerging about the mysterious Project Rose, a large-scale warehouse on the West Plains that looks an awful lot like an Amazon fulfillment center.

The commercial distribution center is proposed to be built on nearly 80 acres southwest of the Spokane International Airport on the north side of Geiger Boulevard. According to information filed with the state, the primary structure would have a footprint of 639,000 square feet, but the four-story building would encompass more than 2.5 million square feet.

Though the parking lot would have 1,874 parking spaces, a traffic analysis gives greater detail about the potential staffing at the site. Four shifts over 24 hours would support 2,288 employees, with a seasonal peak of 2,963 during November and December. The four shifts would be day and night, split into inbound receiving and outbound shipping. Day shifts would start around 7 a.m. and end at about 6 p.m. Night shifts would start around 6 p.m. and end about 5 a.m.

The analysis states that “completion and full occupancy” for the project is forecast for fall 2019.

A recent permit filed with Spokane County valued the project at $181 million, according to the Journal of Business.

Seattle-based Amazon has yet to confirm the project is a fulfillment center. But a name change for the project – from the Super Duper Project Rose to the Project Rose Fulfillment Center – just may provide a hint.

Another clue: Dallas-based Trammell Crow is developing an Amazon fulfillment center in north Portland. The company has built other Amazon fulfillment centers in Troutdale, Oregon; Redlands, California; the Los Angeles area; and Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Environmental site assessments for Spokane’s Project Rose were prepared for the Trammel Crow Co.