PenPlace

Site Plan #105

Location

The approximately 11-acre site is located in Pentagon City within the Aurora Highlands neighborhood. The site is bordered by Army Navy Drive (north), South Eads Street (east), 12th Street South (south), and South Fern Street (west). It is adjacent to the Crystal City Civic Association and I-395.

Status

Under Review

This reports the status related to Site Plan Review Process only (Administrative Regulation 4.1).

About the Project

The next phase of Amazon’s HQ2 is a proposed redevelopment of the PenPlace block in Pentagon City. The applicants, Acorn LLC and JBG Smith, acting as Amazon’s development consultant, submitted a proposed site plan application on February 2, 2021.

The proposal includes approximately 3.3 million square feet divided across four buildings.

Three 22-story office buildings with ground floor retail
One destination- and amenity-focused building called “The Helix,” a unique biophilic double helix structure with plantings native to the Mid-Atlantic region.

In addition, the proposal includes a 2.5-acre public open space , detached retail pavilions, and underground vehicular access. Specific details of the open space will be evaluated through a Park Master Plan process.

Buildings will be designed for LEED Platinum certification and tailored towards achieving the County’s Community Energy Plan goals. In addition, the project would contribute to the County’s utility fund, public art, and streetscape improvements.

The proposed development would supersede the approved plan for Pen Place adopted by the County Board in 2013.

The application will require:

Pentagon City Phased Development Site Plan (PDSP) Amendment
Revised Pen Place Design Guidelines
Site Plan Amendment to incorporate the Residence Inn by Marriott property
New Site Plan for proposed development of Pen Place (capturing all phases)
Park Master Plan (PMP) for the design of the public open spaces on the site

Learn more:

Applicant Materials

February 2, 2021

Public Process

This project will undergo public review via a virtual Site Plan Review Process. Learn more.
The SPRC Chair for the site plan review process is to be determined.

Timeline	Milestone / Meeting	Materials
TBD	Site Plan Acceptance	Coming soon
March 25, 2021	Community Kick-Off Meeting (virtual)	View recording of meeting Staff Presentation Applicant Presentation
April 19, 2021	Virtual Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) Meeting Click here to join the meeting via Teams To join by phone, dial: +1 347-973-6905 Enter the conference ID when prompted: 145 084 987#	Meeting Agenda Applicant Presentation Staff Presentation
May 12, 2021	Virtual Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) Meeting
TBD	Park Master Plan Process (led by Department of Parks and Recreation)
TBD	Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) Review Process
TBD	Planning Commission Meeting Public Hearing	Planning Commission meeting materials and agenda Sign up to speak
Anticipated by end of year 2021	County Board Meeting Public Hearing	County Board meeting materials and agenda Sign up to speak

*Process timelines are subject to change as needs arise. Check back for updates.

Background

The County Board approved a previous site plan application for the Pen Place block in 2013. If approved, this proposal will supersede the previous approval.

Related Plans and Processes

Pentagon City Planning Study

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