Plans For Massive PG County Fulfillment Center Withdrawn

UPPER MARLBORO, MD -- A major retailer -- possibly Amazon -- has withdrawn from plans to build a massive distribution center in Prince George's County.

Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Friday that she had been informed that plans to build a fulfillment center at the Westphalia Town Center in Upper Marlboro had fallen through.

"Earlier today I was informed by the company that planned to build a fulfillment center at the Westphalia Towne Center that they would no longer be pursuing that site," Alsobrooks tweeted. "It is our intention to work with the company to identify more suitable locations in the county where they may be able to bring their products. To those who purchased homes at Westphalia and were promised certain things, I want you to know that my administration will work with the developer to help bring the retail, dining and other amenities you were promised. Prince George’s County is open for business and we will continue working to attract quality businesses to the county that add value to our economy and provide amenities to our citizens."

Just last month, plans for the fulfillment center were on track and were even expanded by 1 million square feet for a total of 4 million square feet, according to a Washington Business Journal report on the site plan submitted to the Prince George's County Planning Board.

The building would have had an 818,423-square-foot footprint and five stories on a 79-acre site, along with 1,794 vehicle parking spaces, 267 loading spaces, and ground-floor office space, according to the report, which noted that Amazon would have been the most likely tenant.

Amazon is already greatly expanding its presence in the D.C. area, choosing Arlington County across the Potomac River in Virginia late last year as the location of its second headquarters. Its main headquarters are in Seattle, Wash.