Amazon HQ2 at PenPlace
Update
04/06/22
Amazon's HQ2 Phase 2 Under Review of the Board after Approval from Commission
Plans for the second phase of Amazon’s second headquarters in Pentagon City cleared the Planning Commission after over a yearlong process, clearing the way to the Arlington County Board, which is slated to review the plans during its meeting on Saturday, April 23. The second phase will develop a vacant block with 3.2 million square feet of office space and about 94,500 square feet of retail spread across three 22-story, renewable-energy-powered office towers and Amazon’s signature building: a twisting structure dubbed “The Helix,” and embraces biophilic design throughout the exterior. The design is intended to recreates a climb in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As part of its goal of LEED Platinum certifications, and to meet its internal pledge to be carbon neutral by 2040, the buildings will be powered by a solar farm in southern Virginia.
The ground floor of the first tower will have a 15,000-square foot public childcare facility accepting government subsidies as well as the permanent home for Arlington Community High School, with seats for 300 students. The campus will also have one- to two-story retail pavilions, 2.75 acres of public open space and underground parking and loading. Construction on Met Park, comprised of two 22-story buildings and 2.5-acre open space, is underway and should be completed in 2023. There are also plans for a dog run and a 250-seat amphitheater, for public use.
The project is also the first to embrace the “green ribbon” — a planning tool updated by the Pentagon City Sector Plan, which was approved in February, that aims to add greenery and improve micro-mobility with a network of lush walking, biking and scooting paths. Concern was raised about the county is not planning or funding major capital improvements like parks and, stormwater projects as part of regular budgeting, This related to a theme of community pushback, worrying this is not sustainable for the community, in terms of environmental diversity or financial viability.
