Amazon opens first phase of HQ2
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The Met Park towers are now open. Photo courtesy Lucas Jackson/Amazon
Amazon cut the ribbon on its two new office towers in Arlington yesterday, opening the first phase of its HQ2.
Why it matters: Amazon HQ2 has so far hired more than 8,000 employees in Crystal City, which is blooming with new office towers, apartments, shops, and protected bike lanes.
Driving the news: Amazon workers will report in-person three days a week to the 22-story office towers.
- ♻️ Sustainability features: The buildings are powered by 100% renewable energy, recycle rainwater captured on the roof and garage, and were built with low-carbon concrete.
- 🎱 Silicon Valley-esque office flourishes: Pool tables, a painting room to unwind, and a large cafeteria.
- 🍌 1 fun thing: A banana stand at Metropolitan Park open to anyone.
There are 14 new shops opening at the site.
- Now open: Conte's Bike Shop and District Dogs.
- Coming soon: Hustle Fitness, Social Burger, South Block, Good Company Doughnuts & Café, Celebree School of National Landing, GLO30, Peruvian Brothers, Taqueria Xochi, Toby's Ice Cream, Mae's Market, Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Arlington, and Makers Union.
Between the lines: We wanted to know if Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has an office when in town.
- There is a dedicated space for senior leadership, officials said, but it doesn’t appear Bezos has visited yet. "I definitely look forward to welcoming him," Brian Huseman, a top Amazon spokesperson, told Axios.
What's next: Amazon still has plans for phase 2 of HQ2, with its "helix" shaped office building, even after a pause on construction earlier this year. Groundbreaking is expected next year, Washington Business Journal reported last week.
