Fast on the heels of Facebook’s recent move into Prineville, Google appears set to make their own entry into the rapidly developing market for cheap, affordable, green power here in Central Oregon.
I was hanging out at Thump Coffee this morning and overheard mayor Eckman congratulating Jim Clinton on how their negotiations with “The Goog” are proceeding. (I’m assuming they were referring to Google… who else could it be?). Anyhow, apparently in exchange for favorable tax and permitting exemptions Google will be opening up a 140,000 sq-ft data center on the site of the Old Crane Shed building. And get this, in a move inspired by the REI-Old Mill building deal, the City Council is asking that Google restore the Shed to it’s original condition as part of the deal.
Anyhow, I’m on the hunt for more details, so if you Twitter-heads can help spread the word I’d appreciate it (short link to this post: http://goo.gl/xY5E). And if you hear anything, drop me a comment here, eh?
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That would be fantastic news for Central Oregon — more jobs, more street cred as a place to work in an industry other than, say, real estate. I wonder what has really persuaded Facebook, and perhaps Google, to move here? Did they like the livability? See an opening in the unemployment statistics? Favor the relatively depressed real estate values for employees who move here to work? Or did we somehow just give away more in tax breaks?
Hmmm…nicely played Roberto…what day is it?
I believe there will be an indoor 50 meter lap pool that will be heated by the servers btw…
I will neither confirm nor deny the rumors but can say that the Crane Shed be restored is a necessary part of any deal, as well as installation of fiber throughout Bend. Unfortunately this project would not generate any new jobs because it seems to be part of Google’s initiative to replace all its remaining employees with additional servers. Thanks for your understanding that any negotiations that may or may not be taking place must remain confidential–virtual corporate executives are very strict on that issue.
That would totally rock. It would be right out my window. Wrecks are way down in the roundabout now the ice gets melted in the winter
Let’s see…the Crane Shed property is privately owned (and the subject of a lawsuit over the underlying financing)…the city can only require architectural specifics… City Council” “Jim Clinton” can neither confirm nor deny”…