Amazon Is Opening A Downtown Chicago Office

By Kate Shepherd in News on Nov 11, 2015 7:16PM

Seattle-based juggernaut Amazon is opening an office in downtown Chicago. The online retail giant is in "advanced negotiations" to lease office space in the Loop's Franklin, according to Crain's.

Amazon, which currently does not have an office in the city, is reportedly contemplating a 30,000 square feet space in the Franklin's taller tower at 227 W. Monroe St. It's not yet clear how many or what kind of jobs the company plans to add in Chicago.

The potential deal would be a coup for the Franklin's owner Tishman Speyer Properties, which has been trying to rebrand the 2.5 million-square-foot, two-tower complex. Two of their anchor tenants, investment firm William Blair and law firm McDermott Will & Emery are moving so they're trying to attract new tenants with a remodeling, Crain's reports.

Amazon has also been adding warehouses in the area for faster service, including free same-day delivery in Chicago. They're planning to hire 1,000 full-time employees for a major fulfillment center in Joliet along with building two facilities in the Goose Island and Heart of Chicago neighborhoods.