Amazon is testing a new rapid-delivery program in Seattle, and a Ballard property is set to play a central role in the pilot. The company recently introduced “Amazon Now,” a service the company says will deliver groceries and household basics to customers in roughly half an hour, according to Amazon’s announcement.
Amazon is reworking its former Fresh Pickup building at 5100 15th Ave NW, which has remained closed since early 2023. And now, GeekWire reports that the site is being converted into a facility where workers will prepare small, fast-moving orders for Amazon Flex drivers.
Here’s a glimpse of how the Ballard hub will likely function: Employees gather items in a back-room storage area, place finished orders on shelves near the entrance, and hand them off to drivers, who are expected to move through the site quickly before heading out, GeekWire reports.
The Ballard facility is tied to Amazon’s broader push into what the company describes as faster-than-same-day delivery.
In both Seattle and Philadelphia, customers in eligible areas will find a “30-Minute Delivery” option in the Amazon app and on Amazon.com, offering a selection that includes fresh groceries, toiletries, pet items, electronics, seasonal products, and over-the-counter medicines, according to Amazon’s announcement. Delivery pricing depends on membership: Prime subscribers pay from $3.99 per order, while non-Prime users are charged $13.99, and Amazon adds a $1.99 fee for orders under $15.
Amazon has not shared when or whether the new service will expand beyond its initial test areas.
Photo: Google Image Capture Sept 2025