Photo: NBBJ
Amazon on Tuesday unveiled new design details for its second headquarters, in Arlington, Virginia.
Details: The headquarters will include 2.8 million square feet of office space spread across three 22-story buildings. At the center will be "The Helix," a tree-covered office building that the company said "will feature two walkable paths of landscaped terrain that will spiral up the outside of the building."
- The Helix's design is meant to look like a double helix and is inspired by the "innate human desire to connect with nature," according to Amazon. The building will be open for public tours.
- The site — called PenPlace — will also have 2.5 acres of public open space that will include an amphitheater, dog run, retail pavilions, restaurants and green space.
- The office buildings will have a central cooling and heating system that will run on 100% sustainable solar energy.
- The company will "prioritize walkways, landscaping, and retail over motor vehicles" and will make an investment to "move all vehicle access underground to foster a safe and welcoming pedestrian environment for everyone."
The big picture: The project is part of Amazon's $2.5 billion investment in Northern Virginia, which is expected to create 25,000 jobs in the state.
- The plans are awaiting approval from Arlington County. The company expects construction for the Helix to begin in 2022 and to be finished in 2025.
- Amazon said that it has 1,600 employees so far and more than 600 jobs open.
What they're saying: "We hope that the blend of architectural and ecological elements at PenPlace — the name of the site — will inspire those who work here and serve as an inviting place for neighbors to gather, relax, dine, and shop," Amazon said.
