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Amazon reportedly visited Chicago in August, and it could mean everything we think we know about its HQ2 decision so far is dead wrong

The 78
Amazon representatives reportedly visited the site for The 78 development by Related Midwest. Related Midwest
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Apparently, Amazon hasn't gotten enough of the Windy City. 

Representatives for the company made a visit to the city in connection with its second headquarters search in August, according to a report from The Chicago Tribune

Amazon declined to comment on the report to Business Insider. 

The visit is notable, as it's reportedly the only repeat, HQ2-related visit from Amazon representatives to a city or location on Amazon's short list.

According to the Tribune report, the visit was planned so that representatives could see the site for a new, 62-acre development called The 78. Located in the South Loop, it's one of the last sizable pieces of undeveloped land close to the city's core.

That could make it attractive to Amazon, which stipulated in its request for proposals that it desired an urban campus for its second headquarters, much like its original campus in Seattle.

Amazon visited four other potential HQ2 sites in its earlier trip to Chicago this year, but not this one.

A second visit at such a crucial time in the HQ2 process could throw open the doors of speculation on HQ2. Though most analysts and experts have been betting on Northern Virginia as the winner, Chicago remaining in the running as late as August is significant. 

Amazon has said it will make its decision by the end of the year. 

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Dennis was a senior editor at Business Insider, helping oversee coverage of consumer companies. Follow him at @DennisVerde.