Gillis Gilkerson Constructs Salisbury Amazon Distribution Center

SALISBURY, MD – AUGUST 20, 2026 –   When Amazon announced plans to open a distribution center in Wicomico County, Gillis Gilkerson’s construction and development teams were able to offer Amazon a turnkey, build-to-suit solution, transforming a 14.6-acre site located at 1842 Edward Taylor Road into a state-of-the-art delivery station. The facility accepts goods from large fulfillment centers, to be sorted and loaded into smaller vehicles for final delivery.  This process, known as cross-docking, is a logistics strategy that enables incoming goods to be unloaded and directly reloaded onto outbound trucks, with little to no storage time in between. 

The layout of the distribution center is typical of a cross-docking operation with dedicated areas for inbound and outbound traffic. Twelve loading docks with door seals, bumpers and pit levelers accept inbound shipments on the west side of the building.  A massive +/- 39,850 sf open-air canopy covers an outdoor staging area with multiple drive lanes on the south side of the building, where outbound vans are loaded. A highly organized routing and parking layout maintains efficient flow into and out of the property. 

The +/- 89,825 sf warehouse was constructed using massive, pre-cast concrete wall panels, a steel structure   with columns, beams, bar joists and metal deck and a TPO roof system.  The entire building is climate controlled and accessible by an off-site management system. GGI oversaw the sitework, building erection and finishes, including employee breakrooms, offices and admin areas prior to the installation of proprietary equipment by a third-party vendor.

Gillis Gilkerson’s development team, led by Brad Gillis, purchased the property with a sale brokered by NAI Coastal to Opportunity Street, LLC, prior to negotiating the lease agreement.  The development team also oversaw the design, approval and financing process for the property.   Gillis Gilkerson VP of Operations Matt Esham led the construction effort alongside Superintendents Bob Oakes and Chris Sanders.  The facility began operations in August 2026, bringing over a hundred new jobs to the Salisbury area.

“It’s an honor for Gillis Gilkerson and NAI Coastal to have a part in bringing a large-scale employer to Wicomico County. Projects like this are a big win for our region.” said principal Brad Gillis.  “There are only so many opportunities to work with large international companies on the Eastern Shore, and the success of this project is a testament to the team we have in place.” 

“Getting the lease negotiation over the finish line was big lift taken on by our General Counsel Mike Sullivan and our construction team knocked the build out of the park, in large part due to the expertise of Matt Esham,” Brad further explained.  “Matt is solution-oriented and a leader in his field.  He has the respect of our area’s subcontractors, the attention of the client and knows the answers before the questions are even asked.  Amazon is a great client to work for; they are responsive and sophisticated, with great teams and great people.  It was a very proud moment for me to watch our team work successfully alongside Amazon.  Recognizing and celebrating our team is something I am reminded of now, every time I get an Amazon package on my doorstep.” 

Gillis Gilkerson’s construction and development teams had previous experience working with Amazon. In 2021, the team acquired and renovated a +/- 200,000 sf industrial complex located at 1700 Dulaney Street in Seaford, Delaware.  Working alongside the City of Seaford, a lease was negotiated with Amazon for +/- 100,000 sf of the building and 12-acres of commercial land within the Dulaney Street property for use as an Amazon delivery center. Now the Salisbury delivery center, together with the Seaford delivery center, provides fast and efficient delivery services for our area’s residents and our growing community.

About Gillis Gilkerson

Celebrating over 40 years in business, award-winning Gillis Gilkerson has established a reputation as one of the most trusted and stable construction management, general contracting, and real estate development firms on the Delmarva Peninsula.  150 W. Market Street, Ste 200 | Salisbury, MD 21801 | www.GGIBuilds.com

About NAI Coastal

NAI Coastal is a full-service commercial brokerage headquartered at Riverview Commons, 150 West Market Street, Suite 101 in Downtown Salisbury, Maryland. The team of nine advisors have comprehensive market knowledge and an unwavering commitment to the Delmarva region. In addition to brokerage and development, NAI Coastal rounds out their service offerings with consulting, which covers leasing, assemblage, acquisition and sale and investment advising. For more information please visit www.naicoastal.com or call 410-543-5115.