Governor Gilmore Announces 1,400 Jobs Saved for Virginia
Richmond - Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Bell Atlantic will sign a 10-year renewal of its lease on 1310 N. Courthouse Road in Arlington County. As part of its long-term commitment to Arlington, the company plans to refurbish the 15-year-old, 11-story building. The renovations will maintain and support the continued presence of over 1,400 employees in the facility. Nearly 1,000 additional employees are housed in an adjacent 9-story building located at 1320 N. Courthouse Road.
"Bell Atlantic's decision to remain in Arlington is a positive one for Virginians," said Governor Gilmore. "The company's investment in the building proves Virginia has the positive business climate to appeal to the very best corporations in the world."
The 353,000-square-foot building, near the intersection of Courthouse Road and Arlington Boulevard (U.S. 50), houses Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc., which provides support services to Bell Atlantic's operating telephone companies. Bell Atlantic has occupied the site since 1984.
"Bell Atlantic has had a significant presence in Arlington for years," said Hugh Stallard, president and CEO of Bell Atlantic - Virginia, Inc. "Today's announcement reinforces our commitment to Arlington and the Commonwealth of Virginia."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Arlington County Department of Economic Development assisted in persuading Bell Atlantic to remain in Arlington.
"The telecommunications industry represents a significant and growing part of our economic base, and we are proud and pleased that Bell Atlantic has made a continuing long-term commitment to Arlington County," said Christopher E. Zimmerman, chairman of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors.
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