Amazon To Open A More Than $5B Second Headquarters

Amazon.com has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from local and state government officials as it looks to open its second headquarters (Hq2) in the U.S.

In a company press release, the eCommerce giant said it will invest more than $5 billion in “construction and operation of Amazon HQ2,” and that the second Amazon headquarters will be home to as many as 50,0000 high-paying Amazon jobs. The company also reported it intends to create tens of thousands of additional jobs and tens of billions of dollars in investments in the surrounding community. Amazon estimated its investment in Seattle over the last six years has resulted in an additional $38 billion for the city’s economy, with every dollar invested by the eCommerce giant generating $1.40 for Seattle.

“We expect HQ2 to be a full equal to our Seattle headquarters,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, in an announcement. “Amazon HQ2 will bring billions of dollars in up-front and ongoing investments, and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. We’re excited to find a second home.”

Amazon is seeking proposals from both local and state government officials and is focused on cities with more than 1 million residents. The company also wants the second Amazon headquarters to be located in an area that will attract high-tech workers and keep them in the area, as well as provide a stable and business friendly environment.

“We want to encourage states and communities to think creatively for viable real estate options, while not negatively affecting our preferred timeline,” Amazon said in announcing the RFP.

The second Amazon headquarters is expected to be similar in size to its current 8.1 million-square-foot campus and will house restaurants, cafes and other services. In its announcement, Amazon said it expects to hire new teams and executives for the second headquarters and will allow its senior level workers to decide where they want to work. Employees currently working in the Seattle headquarters will be able to choose to remain there or opt to relocate to HQ2.