Project Crystal, a code-named project that fits the description of Sam’s Club, is expected to lease a 1 million-square-foot distribution center at 1400 Zoo Parkway that is under construction for completion in August in Imeson Park South in North Jacksonville.
Sam’s Club is the wholesale membership club division of global merchandiser Walmart Inc.
The city proposes a five-year $1.5 million Recapture Enhanced Value Grant for Project Crystal that City Council will review.
Project Crystal is described as a major international retailer that sells household goods, clothing and food items, which fits the description of Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Developer VanTrust Real Estate Executive Vice President Marc Munago said in September 2022 that the company was working on a tenant for the 1 million-square-foot center.
Project Crystal intends to invest $61 million, comprising $17 million in building improvements and $44 million in machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures.
It would become one of the largest individual container users at JaxPort.
Sam’s Club said it will launch five new supply chain fulfillment and distribution centers in 2023, with the first planned in Georgia in the third quarter.
Project Crystal intends to hire at least 100 people, which is the number that work at Sam’s Club’s ambient facilities — which are those designed for items stored in a dry environment at room temperature — and about 1,000 work at fulfillment centers.