The Merlin building, internally designated as WAS17, stands as a cornerstone of Amazon’s massive second headquarters project, known as HQ2, in Arlington, Virginia. Located at 510 14th Street S, this 22-story tower is one of the two primary office structures within the Metropolitan Park campus, which represents the first phase of a multi-billion dollar investment. Merlin is more than just a corporate office; it is a manifestation of modern architectural philosophy, integrating advanced sustainability, community-focused public spaces, and an employee-centric design that moves away from traditional cubicle layouts.

The Identity and Naming History of Amazon Merlin and WAS17

To understand why this building is referred to by two distinct names, one must look into Amazon’s internal culture of naming infrastructure after its technological innovations. The designation "WAS17" is a logistical and project-based code used during the planning and construction phases, but its "public" name within the company, Merlin, carries a deeper meaning.

Merlin was the internal codename for Amazon QuickSight, the company’s cloud-powered business intelligence (BI) service. QuickSight was designed to be fast, easy to use, and capable of turning complex data into visual insights—traits that the design team aimed to reflect in the building's streamlined and efficient architecture. Its sister building at Metropolitan Park, named Jasper, follows a similar tradition, named after the codename for the modernization of the Alexa application. By naming its physical headquarters after software projects, Amazon creates a bridge between its digital products and the physical environment where those products are conceived and managed.

The use of these names also serves a practical purpose in navigation and identity. At the scale of HQ2, which is expected to house over 25,000 employees upon full completion, having distinct identities for each tower helps foster a sense of "neighborhood" within the campus. Employees in the Merlin tower are not just working at "the Arlington office"; they are part of a specific ecosystem tied to the company's legacy of cloud computing and data analytics.

Architectural Innovations and the Biophilic Design Movement

The Merlin building is a 327-foot-tall testament to "biophilic design," a concept in architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. This approach is not merely about aesthetics; it is rooted in psychological research suggesting that exposure to natural elements can reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve overall well-being.

One of the most striking features of Merlin is its "Eco-Lobbies." Unlike traditional, enclosed corporate lobbies that feel separated from the street, Merlin’s entrance features large, operable garage-style doors. These doors allow the ground floor to open up entirely to the outdoors during pleasant weather, creating a seamless transition between the urban park outside and the workspace inside. This transparency invites the community in and allows natural air to circulate through the common areas.

Inside the building, the commitment to nature continues through the use of natural materials and extensive greenery. A massive "living wall" greets visitors and employees, featuring a diversity of plant species that rivals the famous Spheres at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters. This vertical garden does more than provide a visual centerpiece; it acts as a natural air filter and helps regulate the humidity and temperature of the lobby area. The use of wood paneling—some of which was sourced from the Pacific Northwest as a nod to Amazon’s roots—adds warmth to the high-tech environment.

The exterior of the building features a series of stepped terraces. These are not merely for decoration but serve as functional outdoor meeting spaces. Each terrace is landscaped with native Virginia plants, providing a habitat for local bird species and insects while offering employees a place to work or take a break with a view of the Potomac River and the Washington, D.C. skyline.

Leading the Way in Sustainability with LEED Platinum Certification

Amazon’s Merlin building achieved LEED v4 Platinum certification, the highest level of recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council. Achieving this status for a building of this scale required a holistic approach to engineering, from the materials used in the foundation to the energy sources powering the elevators.

Carbon Footprint Reduction and Material Science

One of the most significant environmental achievements of the WAS17 project is the use of low-carbon concrete. Traditional concrete production is a major source of global CO2 emissions. For the construction of Merlin and Jasper, Amazon utilized CarbonCure technology, which involves injecting captured carbon dioxide into the concrete mix during the batching process. This CO2 chemically reacts with the cement to become a mineral, permanently trapping the greenhouse gas within the structure while actually increasing the concrete’s strength.

In addition to advanced concrete, the project incorporated "mass timber" for certain interior structures and communal areas. Mass timber is a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete that sequesters carbon within the wood itself. By using these materials, Amazon significantly reduced the embodied carbon—the total emissions associated with the life cycle of the building materials—of the Metropolitan Park development.

Renewable Energy and Resource Management

The operations of the Merlin building are powered by 100% renewable energy. This is achieved through a combination of on-site solar panels and a massive off-site solar farm located in Southern Virginia. The building is designed to be highly energy-efficient, utilizing advanced HVAC systems that recycle heat and moisture.

Water conservation is another pillar of the building’s sustainability strategy. The rooftop gardens and terraces are equipped with sophisticated irrigation systems that utilize captured rainwater. High-efficiency plumbing fixtures throughout the building ensure that water consumption is kept to a minimum, an essential feature given the density of the Arlington urban area.

The Amazon Visitor Landing and Public Integration

A common criticism of large corporate headquarters is that they often feel like "fortresses" that are walled off from the local community. The Merlin building was designed to counter this perception. The ground floor of the tower is dedicated to public-facing functions, most notably the Amazon Visitor Landing (AVL).

The AVL is an exhibition space where neighbors, students, and tourists can learn about Amazon’s history and the technologies developed within the building. It features interactive displays that explain how Alexa works, the logistics behind "Prime" delivery, and the stories of local small business owners who sell on the Amazon platform. The space is intentionally inclusive, with accessibility features such as lighting optimized for the visually impaired and desks designed for guests using wheelchairs.

Beyond the AVL, the Merlin building hosts retail spaces specifically reserved for local minority- and women-owned small businesses. Rather than filling the ground floor with national chains, Amazon partnered with local Arlington and D.C. entrepreneurs to open cafes, restaurants, and shops. This strategy ensures that the economic benefits of HQ2 are distributed among the local community and that the campus feels like a genuine part of the National Landing neighborhood.

Redefining the Workspace for the Modern Employee

The interior of the Merlin building reflects a post-pandemic understanding of what an office should be. With many employees following a hybrid work model, the office is no longer just a place to sit at a desk; it is a hub for collaboration and "social friction"—the intentional design of spaces where people from different teams can bump into each other and share ideas.

Collaborative and Private Zones

Instead of endless rows of cubicles, Merlin features a variety of work environments. There are "soft seating" areas near kitchenettes for informal brainstorming, sound-proof "phone booths" for private calls, and high-tech conference rooms for hybrid meetings. Whiteboards are ubiquitous, encouraging spontaneous sketching and problem-solving.

For those who need deep focus, there are quiet zones tucked away in the upper floors, often near windows to provide natural light. The transition between these zones is fluid, allowing employees to choose the environment that best suits their task for the day.

Amenities and Quality of Life

Employee well-being is addressed through a suite of amenities that go beyond the typical corporate gym. Inside Merlin, employees have access to:

  • Game Rooms: Featuring everything from the latest gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox to classic pool tables and board games. These spaces are designed to look and feel more like boutique hotels than offices.
  • Specialty Coffee Bars: On the first floor, a professional-grade café serves craft coffee and pastries, providing a gathering spot for both employees and the public.
  • Themed Cafeterias: The dining options are diverse, featuring local flavors like shrimp po' boys and health-conscious salad bars. The cafeteria is designed as a massive open hall that facilitates group lunches and large-scale team events.
  • Commuter Infrastructure: Recognizing that many Arlington employees prefer to bike or walk, Merlin includes a massive indoor bike cage with spots for hundreds of bicycles. It also features repair stations, locker rooms with showers, and a significant number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the underground parking garage.
  • Pet-Friendly Facilities: Amazon is famous for its "Dogs at Work" policy. Merlin includes dog-friendly zones and is adjacent to a dedicated dog park in Metropolitan Park, allowing employees to bring their companions to the office.

The Economic and Community Impact of HQ2 in Arlington

The opening of the Merlin building is a milestone in the revitalization of the National Landing area. Before Amazon arrived, the region—comprised of Crystal City and Pentagon City—was dominated by aging office buildings and a high vacancy rate due to shifts in government leasing.

The $2.5 billion investment in the first phase of HQ2 has acted as a catalyst for broader urban development. The construction of Merlin and Jasper supported thousands of local jobs and led to the creation of more than 50,000 square feet of retail space and a two-and-a-half-acre public park. This park serves as a "backyard" for the residents of the high-rise apartments surrounding the campus, featuring playgrounds, public art installations, and shaded seating areas.

Furthermore, Amazon’s presence has spurred improvements in local infrastructure. This includes protected bike lanes along 15th Street South and enhanced pedestrian walkways that make the area safer and more walkable. The company has also contributed to the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, which aims to preserve and create affordable housing in the Arlington area, addressing one of the primary concerns of residents regarding the "HQ2 effect" on local real estate prices.

Art and Culture Within the Walls of WAS17

The Merlin building serves as a gallery for local and regional artists. The selection of art is not random; it is curated to reflect the culture of the region and the history of the company.

One of the most popular installations is a "butterfly wall" where each butterfly represents a different team within Amazon, given a unique "scientific" name that includes a pun on their work. In the lobby, a massive pink and white chandelier serves as a visual landmark, its organic shapes contrasting with the geometric precision of the building’s structure.

Other artworks pay tribute to the local geography. Muralists were commissioned to create pieces inspired by the banks of the Potomac River, and several installations use reclaimed wood from historical structures in the area. This focus on local art ensures that Merlin feels grounded in its Virginia context rather than being a generic corporate satellite.

Summary

The Amazon Merlin building (WAS17) is a sophisticated blend of technological heritage and future-forward design. By naming the tower after the QuickSight project, Amazon has infused a physical space with its digital identity. From its LEED v4 Platinum sustainability credentials to its biophilic "Eco-Lobbies" and extensive community integration, the building serves as a blueprint for the modern urban headquarters. It is not just a place where thousands of AWS and corporate employees work; it is an active participant in the Arlington community, offering public parks, local retail, and an interactive visitor landing that demystifies one of the world’s largest tech companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Merlin and WAS17

What is the difference between Merlin and WAS17?

WAS17 is the internal project code used by Amazon for the building during its planning and construction phases. Merlin is the official name of the tower, named after the internal codename for Amazon QuickSight, a cloud business intelligence tool.

Where is the Amazon Merlin building located?

The building is located at 510 14th Street S, Arlington, VA 22202, in the National Landing/Pentagon City area.

Can the public visit the Amazon Merlin building?

Yes, parts of the building are open to the public. The ground floor houses the Amazon Visitor Landing (AVL), which features interactive exhibits and a coffee shop. Additionally, the surrounding Metropolitan Park is a public space open to everyone.

What makes the Merlin building sustainable?

The building is LEED v4 Platinum certified. It uses low-carbon concrete, mass timber, is powered by 100% renewable energy, and features extensive biophilic design elements like living walls and rooftop terraces to manage water and temperature.

Is the Merlin building the only tower at Amazon HQ2?

No, Merlin is part of the first phase called Metropolitan Park. Its sister tower is named Jasper. Together, they form the primary office space for the first phase of Amazon's second headquarters.

How many stories is the Merlin building?

The Merlin building is 22 stories high and stands approximately 327 feet tall.

What kind of retail is available in the Merlin building?

The ground floor features several retail spaces reserved for local, minority-, and women-owned small businesses, including cafes and restaurants that serve both employees and the local community.