The county approves Amazon’s helix-shaped headquarters tower
The Arlington County Board has unanimously approved Amazon’s plans to build a unique, helical tower as the centerpiece of the new headquarters in northern Virginia.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. The Arlington County Board unanimously approved on Saturday Amazon̵[ads1]7;s plans to build a unique, helix-shaped tower as the centerpiece of the new headquarters in Northern Virginia.
Amazon announced plans in February 2021 for the eye-catching, 350-foot-high tower to anchor the second phase of the redevelopment plans. The new office towers will support a second Amazon headquarters that is expected to receive more than 25,000 workers when completed.
The helix is one of several office towers that are approved, but the helix stands out. The spiral design has a walkable ramp that winds around the building with trees and green areas planted to look like a mountain hike.
Amazon has said that the building is designed to help people connect with nature, and outdoor rock climbing will be open to the public on weekends.
Since then, the plans have gone through the famous thorough review process to Arlington County, including a series of public hearings. Earlier this month, the county planning committee voted 9-0 to support the project.
On Saturday, the County Board voted 5-0 to approve the plans. They also include park rooms and will accommodate a high school, along with retail at ground level.
Amazon has said it hopes to complete the project by 2025.
Because skyscrapers are banned in the District of Columbia, and Amazon buildings will be among the tallest in Arlington County, the helix from some vantage points will dominate the region’s skyline like no other building than the Washington Monument.
