Report: Amazon in ‘advanced talks’ to build second HQ near DC

NEW YORK – Amazon Inc. is in “advanced talks” to open its second headquarters in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

Amazon, based in Seattle, is considering an area known as Crystal City, a large residential and office complex in Arlington, Virginia, just south of Washington.

Amazon announced last year it was looking to open a second headquarters in the U.S., creating as many as 50,000 jobs. Several state and local governments expressed interest, offering Amazon millions in tax incentives.

The Washington metropolitan area was long considered a top contender for Amazon’s second headquarters. Company founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos already had several connections to the area. He’s the owner of The Washington Post and owns a home in the area. When the company announced a list of 20 top contenders in January, it included Washington as well as Montgomery County, Maryland, just north of D.C.

Crystal City is served by a mass transit system and major highways, qualifications Amazon requires.

Because Amazon is reportedly in “advanced talks” does not mean the deal is certain. After the Post published its story, Mike Grella, Amazon’s economic development director posted on Twitter, “Memo to the genius leaking info about Crystal City, VA as #HQ2 selection. You’re not doing Crystal City, VA any favors.”