Avenue M and 10th Street West
Trader Joe’s is building a 1.03 million-square-foot distribution facility in Palmdale that is expected to bring 800 to 1,000 jobs, city officials announced on Tuesday, June 20.
“We are thrilled that Trader Joe’s has selected Palmdale as a destination to expand their business with their new food assembly and distribution facility,” Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt said in a news release. “The project aligns with the city’s commitment to economic vitality, innovation and job creation and catalyzes additional industrial development in Palmdale.”
Construction for the new facility — located on a 104-acre site at the southeast corner of Avenue M and 10th Street West — will commence this year with anticipated completion in late 2024. Once completed, the facility will consist of three buildings — an 827,000-square-foot Hub building, a 211,000-square-foot freezer building, and a 6,000-square-foot accessory building.
City officials said “the facility will offer 800-1,000 employment opportunities from various skill levels, from entry-level to management. The project is centrally located for Palmdale and Antelope Valley residents, benefitting residents across the city,” according to the news release.
“Our region currently has over 70,000 commuters, so local job creation at the food and distribution facility will have a tremendous impact on the lives of those that may no longer need to commute,” said Palmdale Councilmember Austin Bishop. “The idea of providing opportunities for our residents to work closer to home and spend less time commuting so they can free up their time to spend with family contributes to the overall well-being of our community.”
As part of the entitlement process, the city of Palmdale included several conditions of approval that will improve safety and access for all residents along the two major city corridors, such as road improvements and the widening of Avenue M and 10th Street West; construction of sidewalk, curb and gutter; installation of a 12-foot Class I bike path along Avenue M and 10th Street West; and the installation of traffic signals at State Route 14 and Avenue M off ramps.
The project also includes establishing an onsite 12.21-acre Joshua tree preservation area. Placards will be placed at various locations surrounding the Joshua Tree Preservation Area to identify western Joshua trees and present information concerning the importance of their conservation.
