ARLINGTON, Va. — It’s been five years since Amazon chose Arlington, Virginia as the location for its second headquarters. On Thursday, the tech giant held a grand opening for the first phase called Metropolitan Park.
The project is part of a $2.5 billion investment in Crystal City, which includes the construction of two 22-floor office towers, eight terraces including an urban farm, and a 2.5-acre public park.
The ceremony was held in the events center of one of the buildings known as Merlin, named after an Amazon product. Among the speakers were Amazon executives and Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Virginia).
“I wonder if this should be renamed HQ1,” said Youngkin, who celebrated the collaboration and partnership over the years. “This is an economic engine, and we know it.”
The development, which prioritizes sustainability, also includes gathering spaces known as the Center of Energy, quiet rooms, and bike rooms. Outside of Met Park is 50,000 square of retail space. The company touts focusing on minority and women-owned businesses.
“I'm happy they promised something and kept it and didn't bring a chain or something like that,” said Peruvian Brothers Owner Giuseppe Lanzone. “I’m glad to be a part of this.”
The company employs 8,000 people so far, which all are expected to move in and work three days out of the office later this year. Amazon committed to bringing in 25,000 jobs by 2030.
“There is such a sense of energy of collaboration and such a beautiful place for our employees to work,” said VP of Public Policy and Community Engagement Brian Huseman.
During the ceremony, Christian Dorsey of the Arlington County Board of Directors, praised Amazon for prioritizing affordable housing and helping prevent marginalized communities from being pushed out.
There are concerns what the growth could mean for the community, but Dorsey is confident there will not be adverse effects.
“I think it's the phased growth,” Dorsey told WUSA9. “They're not bringing 25,000 employees at once. If they were, that can create a huge issue. It's going to be moderated and absorbed with the region's overall growth.”
Amazon said it has committed $990 million to create and preserve 6,245 affordable housing units in the region and a 22% increase in affordable housing stock in Arlington in 12 months.
The effects are still too early to tell, but in the meantime, questions remain about the future of the second phase called PenPlace.
In March, Amazon announced pausing construction amid severe layoffs. The company said the pause is not related to the layoffs, but Huseman is still there.
“We're committed to HQ2 and bringing 25,000 jobs here over the next 10 years,” he said.
Dorsey said there should be more of an update by early next year. Currently, Amazon is still working behind the scenes securing permits.
“I don't believe that Phase 2 is in jeopardy by any means, but I think Amazon is doing what everyone else is doing right now including Arlington County Government,” said Dorsey. “That’s figuring out what is the future of work, what kind of spaces are we going to need for employees, and how does that impact growth. They got Phase 2 entitled when they haven't fully absorbed what the pandemic is going to do.”
The public is invited to a community event at Met Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.