WaPo: Amazon near deal to bring HQ2 to Northern Virginia

A Washington Post report says Amazon is in "advanced talks" to build its second headquarters in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C.

Angela King talks with reporter Jonathan O'Connell, who covers economic development and commercial real estate for the Washington Post.

King: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos told an audience last week he's going to make this decision with his heart. What's there to love about Crystal City?

O'Connell: There's a lot to love about Crystal City, economically. There's a lot of available office space there, because some government entities moved out recently.

It's right across the street from the airport. There's a metro station right in the middle of it and it's surrounded by highly educated, qualified white-collar workforce that is driving Amazon's search to open a second headquarters somewhere.

Do you think any other cities, like Atlanta, still could be in the running?

I think it's very possible there are other cities still in the mix. I just don't think it's very many. The Wall Street Journal has a story out last night saying they view Dallas and New York City as very active discussion points for Amazon. I just know that the amount of time and detail that Amazon has spent looking and planning in Virginia is more than it is in a lot of other places. 

How soon do you think Amazon will come out with its announcement?

I think it has to be soon. Many people have told us they expect it to be in November. The midterms are tomorrow so they have something of an open zone in the news cycle after that.   

Listen to the full interview by clicking the play button above.