Amazon Fulfillment Center: Engineering Efficiency for Modern Distribution

Project Overview

BKBM provided civil engineering services for the development of a new 855,000-square-foot Amazon Fulfillment Center in Shakopee, MN. The facility occupies a prominent 65-acre site at the intersection of Shenandoah Drive and 4th Avenue, engineered to support large-scale, high-volume operations.

Project Highlights

  • Large-Scale Site Development:
    • Civil design for a state-of-the-art distribution center on a sprawling parcel with minimal natural grade change and shallow bedrock conditions.
    • Aggressive project timeline with initial design completed in just two weeks to meet the City of Shakopee’s review requirements.
  • Complex Site & Utility Engineering:
    • High bedrock and limited elevation changes posed unique challenges for drainage and stormwater management.
    • BKBM raised the building’s first floor elevation to optimize the balance between bedrock blasting and imported fill requirements, achieving cost efficiency and construction feasibility.
    • Elevated building platform provided necessary fall for the proposed sanitary and storm sewer systems.
  • Advanced Stormwater Solutions:
    • Infiltration was not feasible due to shallow bedrock; instead, BKBM proposed filtration basins throughout the site to meet Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and City stormwater regulations.
    • Engineered stormwater management plan ensures compliance, performance, and minimal environmental impact despite difficult site conditions.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM leveraged rapid design and value engineering to address bedrock challenges, tight grading constraints, and fast-track approval demands. The team provided robust drainage, utility, and stormwater management solutions that optimize cost, constructability, and regulatory compliance.

Results & Impact

The Amazon Fulfillment Center in Shakopee is a model of efficient, cost-effective industrial site development. BKBM’s civil engineering approach enabled expedited delivery, resilience to site constraints, and dependable facility infrastructure for one of the world’s leading distribution operations.