Amazon HQ2
A building of glass and plants that resembles a tree will spiral up in Crystal City in the next few years as part of the Amazon HQ2 complex.
The company released design plans Tuesday showing an innovative use of indoor and outdoor spaces in addition to four buildings — the spiral and three more traditionally-shaped office buildings.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday morning, “Phase two of the company’s development in Arlington, Va., calls for three 22-story office buildings and smaller retail buildings surrounded by woodlands, an outdoor amphitheater, a dog run and parking for around 950 bicycles. The centerpiece will be the site’s fourth and tallest tower, a 350-foot structure dubbed the Helix because it will feature two spiraling outdoor walkways with trees and plants from Virginia that twist to the building’s top.”
According to a statement from Amazon, the spiral building called The Helix "will include a hill climb that allows people to traverse the entire height of the building and a variety of spaces for individual and team work or relaxation. Designed to reflect a shape commonly found in nature, The Helix will be open to the public select weekends every month."
The buildings and landscaped area around them will be opening sometime around 2025, after the coronavirus pandemic delayed the start of construction.
Even with the exponential increase in telework, Amazon is investing in office space for the long term. The complex will accommodate more than 13,000 workers. Ground-level green space will be open to the public.
The architect for the project is ZGF Architects, which focuses on sustainable and innovative designs.
Alexandria officials worked hand-in-hand with Arlington officials to lure Amazon to the new “National Landing” neighborhood, and brought Virginia Tech and a new university Innovation Campus’ along with it.
