What is the Amazon Facility in Garner, NC?
Project Axis is a 2.6-million-square-foot Amazon sort and distribution facility in Garner, North Carolina. WithersRavenel worked with Hillwood, a developer from Dallas. WithersRavenel prepared site surveys and evaluated wetlands, streams, and buffers. Additionally, WithersRavenel designed the site. They also planned off-site road improvements. They coordinated all entitlements and permits for this fast-track project.
The site, which was formerly a food processing facility, includes:
- About 1,800 surface automobile parking spaces
- 200 trailer storage spaces
- Two massive underground stormwater detention devices on a recognized Brownfield redevelopment site
In addition to on-site improvements, WithersRavenel provided full design and construction administration. They also observed work to widen Jones Sausage Road. The road changed from two lanes to four lanes. It now has a median along the Amazon Fulfillment Center frontage.
From concept to construction start, our team worked with the Town of Garner, NCDEQ, USACE, and NCDOT. We also worked with Wake County Economic Development, Garner Economic Development, and the City of Raleigh. Together, we met the project’s four-month design and permitting deadline.
Learn the history behind the former ConAgra site, now an Amazon facility
How was Amazon Distribution funded?
The project received economic development funding from Wake County and NCDOT. Therefore, strict requirements for materials testing and construction standards were followed. WithersRavenel was responsible for coordination with a separate materials testing firm to ensure proper testing and sampling and subsequent paperwork is being completed. WithersRavenel also held weekly progress meetings with NCDOT, the client, the Town of Garner, and the contractor. They reviewed pay applications and documented all construction activities and materials received.
What makes the Garner Amazon Distribution Center unique?
The project was unique because it became a quasi design/build effort. WithersRavenel worked with the developer, project architect, and site contractor. They delivered the project on time while a facility prototype was developed. This required significant coordination to ensure all plan updates and revisions were communicated to all parties during construction.