News Summary

Slidell, Louisiana is preparing for Amazon’s $40 million distribution center, originally set to open in 2022. Despite delays pushing the completion date back, construction is gearing up, with interior work starting soon. The facility aims to create 250-400 jobs and serve as a last-stop center for local deliveries. Local officials remain optimistic about the project’s impact on the community, anticipating positive developments as construction moves forward and hiring begins in 2024.

Slidell’s Future with Amazon’s Distanced Dream

In the charming city of Slidell, Louisiana, big things are happening, but it’s not all smooth sailing for Amazon’s newest adventure. Initially projected to swing open its doors in 2022, the online retail giant’s shiny $40 million distribution center has hit a few bumps along the way, leading to several rescheduling hiccups and pushing the expected completion date further down the line.

The Lay of the Land

Nestled snugly on Town Center Parkway, close to the well-known Old Spanish Trail, this impressive hub sprawls over a whopping 140,000 square feet. Amazingly, the exterior has been all wrapped up and looking good for a few years now, but the magic really happens inside. That’s where the real action starts to unfold with interior work finally on the horizon.

Recently, Amazon took the exciting step of pulling two vital city permits to kick off this interior construction and also put up some bold signage to get folks buzzing about the place. Although it might feel like we’re all waiting impatiently in a line for a much-anticipated concert, the company assures us that this distribution center is indeed a part of their long-term plans. It’s so close, residents can almost feel the excitement in the air!

When’s the Big Day?

As of now, there’s no official opening date on the horizon. Hiring will only begin when the center is about 30 to 60 days away from going live. Right now, teams are gearing up to outfit the facility with essential features like racks, conveyors, and all the high-tech gadgets that help the packages roll out smoothly. With everything set to go, local officials are brimming with optimism, anticipating that once operational, the center could be responsible for creating between 250 to 400 new jobs.

What Makes Slidell’s Center Unique?

This particular distribution center will serve as what is known as a “last-stop center” for packages before they head out to local delivery. This sets it apart from the massive fulfillment centers Amazon has recently opened elsewhere in the Pelican State. For instance, Baton Rouge boasts an impressive $200 million fulfillment center that dwarfs Slidell’s facility, covering a staggering 3.4 million square feet and providing jobs for over 1,000 people.

Community Considerations

As the city looks toward a future with Amazon playing a role, there are some community concerns that linger. Residents are understandably curious (and a little cautious) about how the center will affect local traffic, air quality, and, of course, job opportunities. Acting Slidell Mayor Bill Borchert recently shared that internal construction is slated to commence in early 2024, with hopes of wrapping things up in time for the bustling Christmas season in 2024.

A Bright Horizon

The wait game continues for Slidell locals as they look forward to welcoming Amazon’s distribution center into their community. With hiring potentially kicking off in the second or third quarter of 2024, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air as everyone hopes this new development will yield beneficial outcomes for the city as a whole.

In the meantime, even with the delays, the outlook remains positive as local leaders, including the current Mayor, express confidence in Amazon’s commitment to maintaining and developing the distribution center. As Slidell gears up for what might just be the start of something big, residents can hold their heads high, knowing that change is always around the corner!

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Author: HERE New Orleans

Tagged louisiana business, louisiana economy, louisiana infrastructure, louisiana jobs, louisiana manufacturing, louisiana real estate

Slidell’s Amazon Distribution Center Faces Delays