Gov. Gregoire helps break ground on Amazon.com headquarters

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2009

SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire today helped break ground on Amazon.com�s latest phase of its new corporate headquarters in South Lake Union.

�I want to congratulate Amazon and Vulcan Real Estate not only for this ground breaking, but for what it and South Lake Union as a whole represent to the future of Washington families and businesses,� Gregoire said. �And that�s the very real promise of a growing, thriving 21st century economy in this state.�

Amazon.com�s new headquarters includes 11 buildings constructed over six phases, representing the largest project currently under construction in Seattle. More than 4,000 workers will be used to build the entire project.

The company is expected to begin moving into its new office buildings in mid-2010, with full occupancy by 2012.

�The new Amazon.com headquarters marks a high point in South Lake Union�s revitalization, and plays a vital part of supporting our city and region�s economic vitality and competitive edge,� said Ada M. Healey, vice president of real estate at Vulcan, Inc. �South Lake Union continues to attract creative class, pioneering companies seeking a dynamic and sustainable location in the downtown core with room to grow. We are very excited to welcome Amazon.com employees to the neighborhood starting next year.�

At the groundbreaking, Gregoire applauded Vulcan and Amazon.com for constructing environmentally friendly buildings. Once completed, Amazon�s headquarters will receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Vulcan is constructing phases II through V to meet LEED gold certification requirements.

�Every time I come to South Lake Union, I�m struck by the innovative building techniques, or the creativity of the cutting-edge researchers that work in this community,� Gregoire said. �I am committed to building a stronger economic future for Washington state, and investments like these create new construction jobs, bolster our region�s diverse workforce and help us compete in today�s global economy.�