Google Plans To Expand In Kendall Square

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Google representatives confirmed the company plans to lease major space in when a 16-story glass tower is finished in Kendall Square, the Boston Business Journal reported first.

Google already employs more than 1,500 people in Cambridge, according to Google Cambridge site lead Brian Cusack.

"The development will provide enough space to eventually double Google’s current local workforce. The expansion was officially announced as part of Google’s national growth announcement made earlier today," a spokesperson for the company said in an email to Patch.

Massachusetts has one of Google's largest sales and engineering communities outside of the Bay Area.

Google Inc just signed a long term lease with Boston Properties for the ground-up redevelopment of the 325 Main Street building. The company will occupy 362,000 Sq ft. of the overall space, which will serve as additional office space for Google’s growing Cambridge office.

The new building in Kendall Square will accommodate job growth and greater investment in the local workforce. The 16-story, 385,000 square-foot building at 325 Main Street will replace the existing four-story building on site. The new building will provide significant public realm enhancements including increased visibility and access to the Kendall Square Roof Garden, improved pedestrian experience along Main Street and on the adjacent Kendall Plaza, and increased programming at the Roof Garden and on the Plaza, according to a statement by Google.

As part of its growth in Cambridge, Google plans to implement three new local grants focused on workforce development and promoting technology literacy and access.

One grant will go to the Cambridge Housing Authority Google to remodel of their computer lab on Windsor Street, as well as to help with the workforce development program for teens.

Another grant will go to the Tech Talent Exchange, a pilot project from SkillWorks and their partners from Silicon Valley and Vancouver that have formed the BiCoastal Workforce Alliance.

And the third grant will go to the Cambridge Public Library to create a mobile computing “Tech Bar,” which will replace some of the fixed-position desktop PCs with flexible seating and mobile computing options. The “Tech Bar” will be staffed by library staff, and allow patrons to check out laptops, tablets, mobile hotspots and other devices and get help with tech-related questions from staff.

"It's still early, but we're excited to see how TTX and the Public Library plan will contribute to the growing ecosystem here," said Google Head of External Affairs for New England Liz Schwab. "Our recent support of the CHA is focused on two things that we think will have an impact in Cambridge: refreshing their computer lab at the Windsor Street location, and their workforce development program, supporting the young people and job seekers they serve connect to meaningful careers and break the cycle of poverty.”

Google will take over a 300,000-plus square foot space in the tower. But, as of yet, there's no timeline bringing on new workers. The developer has to build it first.

In December, Curbed predicted Google would fill the space at 325 and 355 Main Street, where the MIT Coop and Google currently sit. Boston Properties, which developed the property that was originally built there in 1981, got the approval in December to redevelop the busy area.

Patch has reached out to Mayor Marc McGovern's office.

Read the in depth BBJ report here: Google confirms plans to expand in Cambridge’s Kendall Square

Never miss another local news story: Get free local news alerts

Image via Google Street View