Amazon HQ2 Gets OK For Construction To Start In Virginia

One of Amazon’s HQ2 buildings, a spiral-shaped glass structure called The Helix in Arlington, Virginia, is ready for construction to begin, dezeen reports. The tower, designed by architecture studio NBBJ, will become Amazon’s second headquarters now that approval has been stamped. The striking tower will be one of three office buildings in Arlington County that will make up Amazon’s second headquarters. Arlington’s County Board, a five-member governing body, unanimously approved the decision to build the 350-ft spiraling tower. Originally proposed in February 2021, The Helix has passed a lengthy approval process, including various public hearings. Noted as “an environment that proposes healthy work,” The Helix will include tree-covered walking trails that spiral around its outside open for use by employees. Virginia was announced as the home of Amazon HQ2 after a nationwide competition. In 2018, the online retailer planned to split its second headquarters between Arlington and a location in New York’s Long Island City neighborhood. This was scrapped in 2019 after Queens residents and politicians argued that building the project in the area would exacerbate New York’s already-sky-high rents and its cramped built environment. A construction timeline was not immediately given.