Yesterday, Amazon revealed a bold plan for the second phase of its HQ2 in Pentagon City.
The main attraction of the 2.8 million square foot office proposal is The Helix, “a 350-foot tall spiraling office building that recreates a climb in the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Part park, part office building, The Helix could one day be as prominent an Arlington landmark as any other building, except perhaps the Pentagon — which is just across the street.
The Helix will be joined by three 22-story buildings, an amenity building with a community gathering space and daycare center, a public pedestrian promenade and dog park, and three retail pavilions. That’s in addition to everything in the first HQ2 phase.
The design of the development, specifically The Helix, has drawn mixed reviews. Among the headlines generated by the big reveal:
- “Amazon’s next headquarters is a glass poop emoji covered in trees” (The Verge)
- “A Soft Serve Matcha Ice Cream Cone” (Washingtonian)
- “Amazon Plans a Climbable Office Tower: Building across river from DC will rival Washington Monument on area’s skyline” (Newser)
What do you think?