Office Space Bellevue: How much office space does Microsoft occupy?
Everyone knows that Microsoft’s HQ is in Redmond, but, how much physical office space does Microsoft occupy in Bellevue? I was reading a report that GVA Kidder Matthews released about how much office space they have. Some of this information is from that report, some of the information I found on my own. All of their office space in Bellevue is leased. However, most of their office space in Redmond is owned. The amount of office space in Bellevue is a tiny compared to the amount of space that Microsoft already has in Redmond.
Downtown Bellevue: Approximately 1,300,000 SF. (1,621,000 SF. corrected 1/30/09)
- Lincoln Square – 320,000 SF.
- Bravern – 740,000 SF.
- City Center Plaza – 240,000 SF. (561,000 SF. – corrected 1/30/09)
Redmond: Approximatley 11,450,000 SF.
- Currently under construction is the $1 billion, 14-building expansion project on its main Redmond campus. Information provided by Schnitzer Northwest.
Microsoft’s Puget Sound Headcount:
- 2004: 28,587
- 2005: 30,858
- 2006: 34,869
- 2007: 36,405
- 10/08: 41,276
Microsoft has never had a year where its headcount has declined. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft will keep that up for 2009. Even with a “headcount freeze” they still managed to hire 500 people in the month of November, per the Seattle PI.
Joe "TheHairFarmer.com" Kenned
I know they signed commitments in Bellevue for 1.3 million square feet (the Bravern and two buildings being constructed in Eastgate) around 18 months ago (?) There are rumors that they were going to take other space under construction here in Bellevue, but with their hiring slow down, they’d be smart to wait it out.
Joe "TheHairFarmer.com" Kennedy
I know they signed commitments in Bellevue for 1.3 million square feet (the Bravern and two buildings being constructed in Eastgate) around 18 months ago (?) There are rumors that they were going to take other space under construction here in Bellevue, but with their hiring slow down, they’d be smart to wait it out.
Michael
I hope Microsoft can buck the trend of layoffs, and/or a hiring freeze. They “own” the wealth on the Eastside.
On a positive note, I’m looking forward to Microsoft to start occupying The Bravern and City Center Plaza in 2009. It will change the dynamics of downtown core to have so many people hustling and bustling downtown finally!
Michael
I hope Microsoft can buck the trend of layoffs, and/or a hiring freeze. They “own” the wealth on the Eastside.
On a positive note, I’m looking forward to Microsoft to start occupying The Bravern and City Center Plaza in 2009. It will change the dynamics of downtown core to have so many people hustling and bustling downtown finally!
Peter Chee
@Joe, yes, Microsoft took about 600,000 SF of space in Eastgate at the Advanta Office Commons.
@Michael, it will be good to have those buildings occupied. I can’t imagine even more hustle and bustle downtown Bellevue. That NE 8th intersection already seems like it has plenty of hustle and bustle!
Peter Chee
@Joe, yes, Microsoft took about 600,000 SF of space in Eastgate at the Advanta Office Commons.
@Michael, it will be good to have those buildings occupied. I can’t imagine even more hustle and bustle downtown Bellevue. That NE 8th intersection already seems like it has plenty of hustle and bustle!
Jen
I believe Microsoft is slated to occupy around 570k at City Center – where did you get the 240k number from? Have I heard wrong?
Jen
I believe Microsoft is slated to occupy around 570k at City Center – where did you get the 240k number from? Have I heard wrong?
Peter Chee
@Jen, you’re right. I’m glad I have a Colliers Research Analyst double checking my work. The space that Microsoft occupies inside the City Center Plaza is 561K SF according the the Bellevue Reporter:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/18692814.html
Given the recent news about Microsoft letting office space lease expires, the Puget Sound Business Journal (Jan. 22, 2009), states:
“Microsoft had given his firm no indication it planned to give up its leased space in Lincoln Square’s office tower or the City Center Plaza building where Microsoft is completing improvements to its space prior to the building’s official opening.
“They are still doing the build-out as if they will occupy it, although that does not mean they can’t change their mind,” Sweeney said.
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/01/19/daily30.html
Peter Chee
@Jen, you’re right. I’m glad I have a Colliers Research Analyst double checking my work. The space that Microsoft occupies inside the City Center Plaza is 561K SF according the the Bellevue Reporter:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/18692814.html
Given the recent news about Microsoft letting office space lease expires, the Puget Sound Business Journal (Jan. 22, 2009), states:
“Microsoft had given his firm no indication it planned to give up its leased space in Lincoln Square’s office tower or the City Center Plaza building where Microsoft is completing improvements to its space prior to the building’s official opening.
“They are still doing the build-out as if they will occupy it, although that does not mean they can’t change their mind,” Sweeney said.
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/01/19/daily30.html