Amazon plans major distribution center in region

Online retail giant Amazon is expected to add another so-called “last mile” distribution center to its portfolio in Fort Myers, according to plans filed with Lee County by an Atlanta-based developer.

Earlier this month, a Seefried Properties’ affiliate purchased 45 acres in the Alico Distribution Center for a “proposed distribution facility” that is believed to be for Amazon. Seefried is one of a few preferred developers the Seattle-based company uses to construct fulfillment centers nationwide.

Seefried paid $15.1 million for the land at the northwest corner of Alico Road and Lee Boulevard, where it plans to build a 278,670-square-foot distribution center, according to plans filed with the county.

Commercial real estate brokerage firm LSI Cos.’ President Justin Thibaut and agent Alexis North negotiated the transaction with sellers Wayside Industrial Inc. and Alico Family Golf Center LLC.

The development plans, developed by engineering firm Kimley Horn, show a building containing 377 trailer parking stalls and parking for 365 automobiles.

The building, which would be 45 feet in height, is being designed to have 78 loading docks.

Seefried’s purchase and subsequent development plans come as Amazon has also begun fulfilling customer orders from another Southwest Florida location in East Naples. There, at 8760 Davis Blvd., Amazon is shipping from a 104,860-square-foot building owned by Benderson Development Co. of University Park.

Benderson began developing the Davis Crossing site roughly a decade ago on a speculative basis, but the property remained largely a shell until Amazon committed to it earlier this year.