The Arlington County Board approved Amazon’s plans on Saturday to construct a massive helix-shaped tower.
“Amazon announced the plans in February 2021 for the eye-catching, 350-foot tower to anchor the second phase of its redevelopment plans,” ABC News reported. “The new office towers will support a second headquarters for Amazon that is expected to welcome more than 25,000 workers when it’s complete.”
The unanimous decision from the Arlington County Board will greenlight Amazon’s plans to construct their new building, which includes “a walkable ramp wrapping around the building with trees and greenery planted to resemble a mountain hike,” ABC News continued. The ramp feature will be available for public use on weekends.
Amazon Vice President of Global Real Estate and Facilities John Schoettler thanked “our Arlington neighbors and the County Board” after the Arlington authorities’ decision.
“With the County Board’s approval, we look forward to continuing our work with the community as we take the next steps on this journey to build an integrated, innovative, and sustainable second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia,” he said in a statement.
Three years ago, Amazon made headlines over its nationwide search for its “HQ2.” America’s major cities pitched various proposals to draw the facility and its thousands of new jobs to their regions.
Amazon at one point considered moving to New York City; however, the plans were canceled after “a number of state and local politicians have made it clear that they oppose our presence and will not work with us to build the type of relationships that are required to go forward with the project we and many others envisioned in Long Island City.”
Among those politicians was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who celebrated the news of Amazon passing over her own congressional district. “Anything is possible: today was the day a group of dedicated, everyday New Yorkers & their neighbors defeated Amazon’s corporate greed, its worker exploitation, and the power of the richest man in the world,” she said on Twitter.
The progressive lawmaker faced harsh criticism following her celebration of Amazon’s move. Job Creators Network — a nonpartisan organization founded by entrepreneurs like Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus — purchased a billboard in New York City slamming her for killing jobs and economic activity.
“25,000 Lost NYC Jobs, $4 Billion in Lost Wages, $12 Billion in Lost Economic Activity for NY, Thanks For Nothing, AOC!” the sign said.
More recently, Amazon relocated 1,800 employees from its Seattle office amid concerns over increases in violent crime.
“Given recent incidents near 3rd and Pine, we’re providing employees currently at that location with alternative office space elsewhere,” an Amazon spokesman told KOMO News. “We are hopeful that conditions will improve and that we will be able to bring employees back to this location when it is safe to do so.”