Mayor Emanuel made his search for a potential Amazon HQ2 site official. The city of Chicago announced it is seeking nominations for a location which it will include in it’s formal response to Amazon.
“We’re looking for partners to put their best foot forward and help us determine which sites have the best potential to drive growth for Amazon and Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel said in a statement. “While we have many sites that meet Amazon’s requirements, there is only one city that offers unmatched potential for future success – Chicago.”
The Amazon headquarters is expected to generate up to $5 billion of investment and 50,000 jobs.
Amazon’s requirements include a 500,000 square feet of initial space and the ability to expand up to 8 million square feet of space over the next 10 years, according to the proposal issued by the company. The site should also provide direct access to mass transit and be located within 30 miles of a population center and 45 minutes of O’Hare airport.
Only the property owner or an entity with site control may nominate a location for the City of Chicago’s Request for Nominations (RFN). Respondents must have demonstrated experience and wherewithal to perform and deliver a project that meets the requirements. Respondents are also encouraged to partner with other nominating entities.
Amazon’s Seattle headquarters include 8.1 million square feet in 33 buildings that support 40,000 company employees.
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The RFN is available on the City’s web site at www.cityofchicago.org/dpd
