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Amazon will move headquarters to S. Lake Union complex

The worst-kept secret in Seattle real estate is no longer a secret.

Amazon.com and developers Vulcan Real Estate and Schnitzer West announced this afternoon that the online retailer will move its corporate headquarters to South Lake Union.

The company will consolidate its now-scattered Seattle operations in up to 11 new buildings on six blocks bounded by John Street, Terry Avenue, Mercer Street and Boren Avenue, the companies said in a prepared statement.

Altogether, Amazon will lease up to 1.6 million square feet from Vulcan and Schnitzer, the firms said. Amazon said it expects to start moving in by mid-2010.

The company now occupies about 640,000 square feet in and around downtown Seattle, including 190,000 square feet at its current headquarters, the Pacific Medical Center on Beacon Hill.

Mr. Tiki's commute will go from two miles to one mile. Our spouse now qualifies as World's Biggest Brat.