Report: Amazon to split HQ2 project between two cities

Amazon is nearing deals to place its $5 billion second headquarters project in both the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, as well as northern Virginia's Crystal City, according to a report Monday in The New York Times. 

The report, which uses multiple unnamed source, came after a report earlier Monday by The Wall Street Journal first revealed that Amazon is planning to split its HQ2 project evenly between two cities. The newspaper had also revealed during the weekend that Amazon was in final discussions for the project with sites that include Crystal City, Dallas and New York.

The story did not mention Austin, which was among the 20 finalists named by Amazon in January.

The online retailer’s move to split HQ2 between two locations is being made for logistical reasons, the Journal reported. With the project expected to create up to 50,000 jobs and amass up to 8 million square feet of office space, the company decided it would be easier for recruiting, transportation, housing and other purposes to divide the project evenly between two sites.

Cities in North America have been competing for the second headquarters project since Amazon announced it in September 2017. A total of 238 cities submitted bids. The company said a final decision would be made before the end of the year.

According to the Journal, that decision could come as early as this week.

This report has been updated to include information from The New York Times report