Kent’s industrial corridor is set to host a new aerospace venture as California‑based Cowboy Space signed a lease for a 291,035‑square‑foot former Costco warehouse at 7650 S. 228th St. The lease, facilitated by Newmark Real Estate, marks the largest industrial lease in the Puget Sound region this year.
Local economic impact
City of Kent Chief Economic Development Officer Bill Ellis praised the deal, saying it aligns with the city’s long‑term vision for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and next‑generation space companies. Ellis noted that the project will add about 300 new jobs, bolstering Kent’s growing aerospace talent pool that already includes Blue Origin, Stoke Space, and Boeing.
What Cowboy Space plans to build
Cowboy Space intends to convert the former logistics facility into a specialized production site for rockets and solar‑powered orbital data centers. The company’s flagship “Stampede Constellation” will consist of megawatt‑class GPU data centers mounted on satellites in low‑Earth orbit, tapping abundant solar energy to meet the rising power demands of artificial intelligence.
The firm aims to launch its own rockets into low‑Earth orbit as early as 2028, using the Stampede Constellation to provide high‑performance computing for AI workloads that traditional ground‑based data centers struggle to support due to energy, land, water, and cooling constraints.
Why Kent is an ideal location
Newmark Vice Chairman Taylor Hoff highlighted the strategic advantages of the Kent Valley: large floor plates, robust power infrastructure, and proximity to a skilled aerospace workforce cultivated over decades of regional manufacturing activity. The site’s former design for large‑scale logistics makes it well‑suited for the heavy equipment and clean‑room environments required for advanced aerospace production.
Community and industry response
Local leaders and industry observers see the lease as a validation of Kent’s shift from traditional distribution to high‑tech manufacturing. The project is expected to attract additional suppliers and service providers, further strengthening the regional supply chain.
While attempts to reach Cowboy Space for comment were unsuccessful, the company’s public statements and the Newmark announcement make clear its commitment to expanding the Pacific Northwest’s role in space technology and AI infrastructure.
Looking ahead
With the lease now in place, construction and outfitting of the facility are slated to begin later this year. The anticipated 300 jobs will span engineering, manufacturing, and support roles, offering new career pathways for Kent residents and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
