A large company can prop up a city’s economy by focusing on transportation options that minimize traffic congestion.
Boeing’s new regional headquarters has opened in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. And it’s an example of how a large company can prop up a local economy while minimizing its impact on traffic congestion.
Boeing chose Crystal City because of its location across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., and for the multiple commuting options the Arlington neighborhood offers. Transportation amenities were important considerations when designing the complex and going through the county’s thorough site-plan approval process.
The 322,000-square-foot complex consolidates Boeing’s Arlington operations and will accommodate several hundred employees. The move comes at a time when the Pentagon is encouraging its contractors to operate more efficiently.
Boeing has been named as one of Arlington Transportation Partners’ top Champions for its initiatives, including:
- Secured and enclosed bicycle parking facilities for 40 bicycles. There are also bike racks for visitors outside of the building that can hold 22 bicycles.
- Showers and storage lockers that bike commuters may use first-come, first-serve. Priority parking near garage elevators for up to 37 registered carpools and vanpools, as well as spaces dedicated to fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Employee transportation packets provided to Boeing employees to help orient themselves to various nearby transportation options.
Further, a new Capital Bikeshare station was installed in September. The space for the 15-dock station was provided by Boeing, while the station itself was funded by the Crystal City Business Improvement District.
A new ART bus route began in October, connecting Boeing employees, as well as other Crystal City workers, visitors and residents, to the Crystal City Metro, Crystal City, Virginia Rail Express station, Long Bridge Park, and the Pentagon Metro.
By locating on a previously underutilized plot of land, the new development brings activity and enhancements to the northern part of Crystal City, and it shows how large companies can shore up a neighborhood without contributing to traffic congestion.
This article is based on one that appeared on Arlington Transportation Partner’s blog.
Photos by mystuart and Boeing.