Amazon is building a 40,000-square-foot distribution warehouse near Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden, Colorado. The facility received Planning Commission approval in November 2025 and will serve Northwest Colorado communities including Craig, Steamboat Springs, and southwest Wyoming.[1][3][2]
Hayden Town Manager Mathew Mendisco confirmed the development on November 12, 2025. Developer Bucknell Industrial is managing the project, designated internally as “Project Elkhead”. Construction could begin in early 2026 with completion targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.[1][2]
Planning Commission Approves Amazon Warehouse Project in November 2025
The Hayden Planning Commission approved the facility in November 2025. Bucknell Industrial is addressing minor commission concerns before applying for a Routt County building permit.[3][1]
Developer interest in the site began in February 2025. The facility will be built on 8.38 acres at lots 3 and 4 in the Northwest Colorado Business Park, located across from the airport’s main terminal.[6][5][1]
Construction Timeline Shows Early 2026 Start Date for Distribution Center
Construction could begin in early 2026. Completion is targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, according to Mendisco. The timeline depends on resolving remaining Planning Commission concerns and obtaining county permits.[2][1]
Developer Bucknell Industrial Managing Amazon Warehouse Construction Process
Bucknell Industrial is the developer managing the project. The company is working through Routt County’s building permit process. Developer interest in the Northwest Colorado Business Park site began in February 2025.[1][2]
Warehouse Facility Specifications Include 40,000-Square-Foot Distribution Center Design
The 40,350-square-foot warehouse will be built in the Northwest Colorado Business Park. Amazon classifies this as a “micro center” designed to address delivery gaps in mountainous regions.[2][1]
According to Mendisco, Amazon has opened similar facilities in Colorado communities including Grand Junction. These centers improve service in areas with challenging geography and lower population density.[1]
Facility includes:
- 40,350 square feet of warehouse space[1]
- 4,450-square-foot van canopy[1]
- 13 covered van loading spaces[1]
- 55 delivery van parking spots[1]
- 7 truck doors with 3 trailer parking spaces[1]
- 123 employee parking spaces[1]
Amazon has begun posting job opportunities for the Hayden warehouse location. Specific total employment figures have not been disclosed by Amazon or Bucknell Industrial.[4][1]
Service Coverage Extends to Craig, Steamboat Springs, and Wyoming Communities
The warehouse will serve multiple Northwest Colorado and southern Wyoming communities. Mendisco stated that Amazon identified service gaps in the region.[2][1]
| Service Area | Direction | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Craig, Colorado[1][11] | West | Regional hub |
| Baggs, Wyoming[1] | North | Rural area |
| Steamboat Springs, Colorado[1][2] | East | Resort town |
The location near Yampa Valley Regional Airport provides access to Highway 40 and surrounding mountain communities. The facility is expected to reduce delivery times from larger Colorado distribution centers.[7][5][6][1]
Economic Benefits Expected During Coal Industry Transition in Hayden
The facility will serve as anchor tenant for Northwest Colorado Business Park. Mendisco emphasized the project’s importance as Hayden transitions from coal-based industry.[2][1]
Craig Station coal-fired power plant has scheduled closures for remaining units in 2028. Craig Unit 1 closes by end of 2025, though federal orders may extend operations.[10][9]
The Routt County Economic Development Partnership has been supporting local businesses during the region’s economic transition. The warehouse will create employment opportunities and increase tax revenue. Mendisco stated the development could attract additional businesses to the business park.[3][2][1]
