Google’s 2021 U.S. Investments Include Kirkland, Seattle | News

Google this week announced plans to invest more than $ 7 billion in offices and data centers and create at least 10,000 new full-time jobs at Google in the US in 2021, including further building campuses in Kirkland and Seattle.

Google, based in Washington State since 2011, employs more than 6,300 people in Puget Sound.

In Kirkland, Google is pressing ahead with plans for two new campuses in addition to its existing 375,000 square meter campus at 451 7th Avenue S., according to a press release. When completed, the new Kirkland Urban Campus will span four buildings and approximately 760,000 square feet of office space.

Google acquired the Kirkland Urban East website last year. The north building has been completed, and construction on the south and central buildings is underway, the announcement said. The company’s planned additional campus in Kirkland, on the site of the former Lee Johnson Chevrolet dealer, is in the early stages. Google signed a purchase and sale agreement last November and is planning to develop the website. The takeover is to be completed gradually over the next few years.

“Google’s expansion in Kirkland underscores our region’s well-deserved reputation for innovation, a highly skilled workforce and a strong education pipeline,” said US MP Suzan DelBene in the press release. “These new investments will bring well-paying jobs to the region and come at a critical time as we are beginning to rebuild our economy better than before. I look forward to working with Google, local businesses and community partners to ensure that this growth helps create more and equitable opportunities for our region. “

In Seattle, Google continues to build Block 38. The 330,000-square-foot building on the corner of Westlake Avenue and Mercer Street serves as an extension of the company’s South Lake Union campus. When completed next year, Google’s South Lake Union campus will span a total of five buildings with 900,000 square feet of office space, the press release said.

“As Washingtoners advance in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Google’s decision to expand in Washington state is welcome news,” Governor Jay Inslee said in the press release. “We are excited to partner with Google on these new investments to support our construction workforce and long-term computing and technology jobs. This announcement comes at a critical time as we move from economic relief to recovery. I look forward to continuing to work with Google to ensure that their growth provides equal opportunities for all people in our region. “

Google also released its 2020 Economic Impact Report this week. Findings included Google helping to provide $ 17.29 billion in economic activity to 52,800 Washington businesses, publishers, nonprofits, creators, and developers. More than 398,000 Washington businesses have received requests for directions, phone calls, bookings, reviews and other direct connections to their customers from Google over the past year, the report added.

The company also made more than $ 19 million in grants to Washington-based nonprofits and organizations and provided $ 14.84 million in U.S. advertising credits to nonprofits through the Google Ad Grants program. it says in the report.