Kilroy officials weren't immediately available to discuss the terms of the deal. The lease is the largest in San Diego County in the past three years and the third major lease in 2002 for buildings in Kilroy Realty's San Diego development pipeline. The activity reflects the strong diversity of the San Diego market as well as its rebounding economy, says John Kilroy, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Kilroy Realty.

AMN will consolidate its current 500 employees from five San Diego locations into its new headquarters at 12400 High Bluff Dr. ``Having our headquarters team under one roof will be a terrific advantage in terms of improved communications, efficiencies and productivity,'' says Steven Francis, president and chief executive officer of AMN.

Groundbreaking for the AMN headquarters is expected to start in June with completion and move-in slated for August 2003, said Jim Edwards, Kilroy Realty project manager. The design will come from collaboration by HKS Architects and Hanna Gabriel Wells of San Diego.

Reno Contracting will serve as general contractor. Robert Jones and David Marino of Irving Hughes represented AMN in the transaction. Kilroy Realty was represented by Rick Reeder and David Odmark of Business Real Estate Brokerage.