The back story is things are definitely further along than the articles alludes to. Google has zeroed in on a couple locations: Quarry Yards, 760 Ralph McGill and Atlantic Station. Additionally there are a — load of other deals in various stages. At least 2 corporate relocations (not Amazon or Apple) and 20 other tech companies (mostly from outside of Atlanta) looking at Midtown, Buckhead and Beltline for spaces.
Don't believe the Amazon news either because Atlanta is still the front runner. From what I am hearing, Amazon/CoA has focused site selection on the Gulch and they are seriously looking at The Stitch. Also I found further evidence Amazon was looking at Atlanta in early 2016. Furthermore, I believe these early discussion are what lead the CoA to start the feasibility study on The Stitch. Not to mention, the 4.1 acre site at 3rd & Ponce was taken off the market and the ABC cannot get anyone on record to comment if the site was sold. It is also worth noting Cousins Properties owns 3+ acres surrounding AT&T's West Peachtree building. Additionally, Cousins Properties hired the engineering company that designed The Stitch for "Corporate Master Planning + Design Services (see link below) Q2 2016. So if I was a betting person I think The Stitch is probably where Amazon will land.
I posted a tweet from Kasim Reed sometime late last year where he said Atlanta would see $5 Billion in developments coming in the next 3 years. All signs are pointing to data points confirming he was not just talking —. Just look at the dialogue going on at the State and Local level concerning mass transportation and parks. I have lived in Atlanta since 2004 and these subjects never made headlines. Also follow the money. Developers have proposed massive developments at the Gulch, Summerhill, Underground, Newport South Downtown, PCM expansion, 760 Ralph McGil, Star Metal (31 acres now), MetLife, Quarry Yard, Atlantic Station....it's off the f'en charts.
Exciting times in Atlanta folks!
http://cousinsproperties.com/sites/default/files/Jacobs%20Quals%20Corp%20Campus%20160524.pdf