On June 25, Stafford County hosted a groundbreaking for NorthPoint Development’s new Austin Ridge Logistics Center. The ceremony at 2125 Austin Ridge Drive featured speakers Meg Bohmke, Chairwoman of the Stafford Board of Supervisors, and Ryan Marshall, Development Manager at NorthPoint Development.
The Austin Ridge Logistics Center will include five to seven buildings, totaling 2,078,015 square feet. Positioned along Interstate 95, the development will accommodate large-scale users, including last-mile logistics facilities, regional distribution warehouses, and data centers. This project aims to provide business and economic opportunities for Stafford County.
Bohmke highlighted the project’s significance for the community, stating it will enhance the local economy, create jobs, and attract business ventures. Marshall said, “At full build-out, the Austin Ridge Logistics Center will represent a $133.9 million dollar investment in Stafford County, creating over twelve hundred jobs.” He thanked the Stafford County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.
Northpoint is a privately owned real estate development firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. According to their website, they specialize in industrial and multi-family development.
The May 2022 rezoning permit said, “This Planning Area is the number one area where growth in the County should be focused. For this overall Planning Area, the County anticipates 5,500,000 square feet of new commercial development in the near future.” The permit also included a traffic study, suggesting “The proposed development is expected to generate 158 trips (122 in and 36 out) during the morning peak hour, 198 trips (55 in and 143 out) during the evening peak hour, and 2,771 trips (1,385 in and 1,386 out) during an average weekday.”
The new Austin Ridge development will neighbor the controversial Buc-ees that could be built at Courthouse Road and Austin Ridge. Buc-ee’s will feature 120 gas pumps, 74,000 square feet, and will be located across from the Stafford County Government Center. Residents have spoken at many Board of Supervisors meetings to express their concerns over traffic and safety.
The 2022 permit states the Austin Ridge Project will generate 738 to 842 new full-time jobs with average Annual Wages of $31,760 per employee, adding $30.5-$34.7 million in average annual payroll. In a 10-year period, it should generate approximately $22 million in taxes.