Work Begins on Former Staples Building Ahead of TJ Maxx Arrival in The Dalles

Chris Cruz with Dickerhoof Construction has been hard at it with Matt Dickerhoof and other crew members at the former Staples building in The Dalles. They are preparing the building for a TJ Maxx clothing store.

By Tom Peterson

THE DALLES, Ore., Feb. 2, 2026 — Work is underway at the former Staples building next to Safeway in The Dalles as preparations continue for the arrival of a TJ Maxx clothing store.

This morning, Chris Cruz of Dickerhoof Construction said they expect their portion of the project to take about two months. The work includes shoring interior walls to accommodate changing rooms, installing a new water main, and creating plumbing stub-outs for a restroom at the rear of the building.

The 24,477-square-foot space was gutted last year following the closure of Staples in March 2025. The current phase marks the start of tenant improvements needed before TJ Maxx can begin its own interior build-out.

The project is being managed by Riviera Enterprises LLC and Dickerhoof Properties, which own and lease the building. Earlier plans called for exterior and interior upgrades, including a redesigned facade to give the store a distinct presence within the shopping center.

Developers have previously said the goal is to open the store later this year, potentially in time for back-to-school shopping, though an exact opening date has not been announced.