The province gives approval for the snail-shaped Amazon headquarters tower

FALL CHURCH, VA – Arlington County Council gave unanimous approval on Saturday to AmazonThe company plans to build a unique spiral-shaped tower as the centerpiece of its emerging second headquarters in Northern Virginia.

Amazon announced plans in February 2021 to construct an eye-catching 350-foot tower to anchor the second phase of its redevelopment plans. The new office towers will support Amazon’s second headquarters, which is expected to house more than 25,000 workers when completed.

The Helix is ​​one of many office towers that has received approval, but the Helix stands out. The spiral design features a walkable ramp that wraps around the building with trees and greenery planted to resemble the height of a mountain.

Amazon said the building is designed to help people connect with nature, and the outdoor climbing will be open to the public on weekends.

Since then, the plans have gone through Arlington County’s famous extensive review process, including several public hearings. Earlier this month, the county planning commission voted 9-0 to support the project.

On Saturday, the county council voted 5-0 to approve the plans. It also includes park space and will accommodate a community high school, along with retail stores at ground level.

Amazon said it hopes to complete the project in 2025.

Since skyscrapers are prohibited in the District of Columbia, and Amazonian buildings will be among the tallest in Arlington County, from some vantage point, a helix will dominate the district’s skyline like any building other than the Washington Monument.