Opower’s new headquarters building in Arlington has been put out to bid

While Opower’s move to a new headquarters building in Arlington isn’t scheduled to happen until 2018, the building's designer, MTFA Architecture, already is releasing photos of what the space will look like. From an open, rooftop deck to a first-floor day-care center, the building will offer the latest in open, collaborative office design.  

Opower announced last month that it plans to occupy the top three floors of 2311 Wilson Blvd., an eight-story, 180,000-square-foot building to be constructed by Carr Properties over the next two years.  The project has been put out to bid, and the next step will be to select a general contractor, according to Leah Bogden, MTFA’s marketing coordinator.

“We are excited to work with our partners to design what will be one of the most dynamic workplaces in the region,” Alex Laskey, president and co-founder of Opower, said when the company made its re-location announcement. Opower, a software company that serves the utility industry, is currently located at 1515 N. Courthouse Rd.  in Arlington, about a quarter of a mile from its new location.

It plans to invest $10.4 million to expand its headquarters operation, which is expected to create 70 new jobs. The company has an existing workforce of 357 employees.

The new office will offer outdoor balcony access on all three floors. There will be a cafeteria area and gathering space, an outdoor park, gym, and a day-care facility on the ground floor.

Like Opower’s current workspace, the new office will be dog friendly. It also will be equipped with video conferencing to connect Opower employees around the globe.

Another perk for employees is the building’s location, which is accessible by public transit, including three different Metro lines.

This project was supported by a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and its Virginia Jobs Investment Program will provide funding and services to support Opower’s employee training activities.