Amazon acquires land for distribution center at LR Port, more possible

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. announced on Tuesday (April 7) that retail giant Amazon has bought an 80-acre site at the Port of Little Rock for $3.2 million.

“We have settled upon acquisition of land with Amazon online,” Scott said, according to content partner KATV.

Construction has already started on the massive property near Zeuber Rd. that will host the high-profile Seattle-based retailer. A distribution center is planned for the property and it would complement a North Little Rock distribution facility already in existence as well as a retro-fit of the former Jacuzzi building in southwest Little Rock.

Scott described the jobs as “less than 10,000″ in all locations should all deals come to fruition.

Talk Business & Politics sources also say that additional properties are still being eyed for possible distribution centers, which could give Amazon a major footprint at multiple locations in Central Arkansas beyond existing and announced plans.

“We’re excited today that Amazon has decided to purchase land and have a very significant investment for the city of Little Rock and central Arkansas, today’s a great day,” Scott said. “We’ve been experiencing some uncharted waters, but also this uncertainty gives us a bit of hope that we’ll see a brighter day.”

Little Rock Port Authority Executive Director Bryan Day told the board of directors they had been working on the project with Amazon for over six months.

“I can tell you that it will be a wonderful addition to the Port of Little Rock, with significant jobs and significant capital investment,” Day said. “We are able to generate revenues through the sale of this land which will allow us to continue acquiring land for future developments.”

According to its website, Amazon employs over 125,000 people who work full-time in more than 75 fulfillment centers across the U.S.

In 2018, Amazon opened a distribution center in North Little Rock and hired almost 200 people.

Ironically, two years ago, Little Rock built a public relations campaign – “Love, Little Rock” – to reject the national competition for a new headquarters for Amazon. The campaign featured a break-up love letter from the city to Amazon, touting the reasons why Little Rock was a good place to do business, but not the right place to locate Amazon’s corporate facility.

Editor’s note: KATV’s Paige Cushman contributed to this story.