Jerry Sweeney
Analyst · Rich Anderson, Mizuho Securities
Well, it is the buzz nationally, isn't it? So I think from how we view it, I mean, first of all we thought it was an extremely smart move by Amazon to kind of create an open auction. And at least publicly without any broker site selector or outside advisory firm so we thought from Amazon's standpoint, it really created – almost kind of a perfect screening device to get the best bids and proposals. And I thought it would really kind of reflected their disruption of existing real estate practices, which is really what has always kind of defined Amazon all the way through. But we're fortunate, from Brandywine standpoint, to be in the mix in Philadelphia, Austin and some participation through our land sites in the overall submission by DC. And I guess our observations have been worked through it now. It's great to see cities come together and align themselves in a political, business, academic, civic level to really present their cities well. And I'm sure that's happening in every city around the country. We're obviously, most familiar with the city of Philadelphia. In Austin, we have a great Brandywine team working with the local officials on the submissions. And I think there will be excellent submissions coming from both cities. I think, from a Philadelphia standpoint, I think everyone in the city should be proud of the great effort that was put forth. And I think the city will be presenting a very, very attractive package to Amazon along with great cooperation from the state. And who knows where it goes, I think when we assess Philadelphia, we think it's tremendously well suited. It's a great location in the Northeast corridor, excellent healthcare and university system, great mass transit access, great quality of life, workable communities, vibrant neighborhoods, emerging business climate with some good traction and job growth, affordable housing and tremendous labor pool access. And Austin, well Austin defines vibrancy in growth. It's fast growing, supported by University of Texas and emerging health systems downs there, great tax factor, really the Silicon Valley East, great culture and an amazing can-do attitude in that city. So I think our goal is we are just enthusiastically supporting each city's bid. And stand kind of at the ready to assist the cities in whatever they need us to do to sell the positive aspects of Amazon making decision to locate in the – into either one of those cities or Washington, D.C.