Ryan McCrady, president and CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, expects the warehouse to create around 100 permanent jobs, and construction will generate additional economic impact. McCrady said SSGA is still evaluating the full economic impact of the project, but it extends beyond the walls that will be built. “For every permanent job at the Amazon facility, more than one job is supported somewhere else in the community.”

Ward 4 Alderman Larry Rockford, whose ward includes the development site, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “It’s an exciting time,” he said, highlighting the potential for job creation and growth in the area while adding a business to the tax roll. He noted the surrounding area has room for additional development should another business express interest.

Rockford mentioned receiving just one inquiry from a concerned constituent, who requested that residents of the nearby Twin Lakes subdivision be kept informed about the development. He noted that the city facilitated the project by rezoning the property for industrial use, paving the way for the development. FedEx and Republic Services already operate in the area and use the surrounding roadways for their trucks.

The new Amazon warehouse will serve as a last-mile distribution center, meaning goods will be delivered directly to their final destination from the facility, whether it be homes or businesses. According to McCrady, construction is expected to be completed by 2025, with site preparation already in progress.

Looking ahead, McCrady hinted at additional developments on the horizon but refrained from sharing specifics. Meanwhile, SSGA representatives are attending an out-of-town site selection event this week to promote the advantages of doing business in Springfield and Sangamon County, including access to two interstate highways as well as Class I railroads.

Springfield aims to attract warehousing and logistics industry