Google Growing in Fremont

When we came across an article today about Google moving some people into Fremont we really wanted it to be into this space--the last green space in Fremont--because...well, who knows. Because then we could pretend that it was Google's fault that there's no grass left in Fremont like we pretend that it's Google's fault that we're bad about responding to email or that we too rarely take the time to smell the grass anyway. Fucking productivity...

It turns out the Google site will be on the other side of Fremont Ave, though. The green arrow on the map is the location of the Google offices, 601 N 34th St, Seattle, the red, slightly less polished, arrow is the dirt hole that used to be the last grassy hillside in Fremont. But, we did notice on that map that right in that proximity there is another grassy area, but it's completely surrounded by the building that sits between the two bridges. The Burke-Gilman goes through there, we think, but since that segment of the trail has been (un-necessarily!) closed off for the past 13 years we've never been through there. Is that a public space or not?

Google currently has a sales office in Fremont, but this will be a R&D space (sexy!). The PSBJ blurb lists some weird conditions from the lease agreement between Getty and Google:

* "There shall not be more than five dogs on any floor "
* "All dogs shall be strictly controlled at all times ... (nor) cause any loud noise whether through barking, growling or otherwise"
* "All dogs shall remain in the sublease premises and not wander throughout the building or otherwise be left unattended"
* "No dog with (or suspected of having) fleas is to be brought into the building."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Dan in News on May 21, 2007 3:23 PM

Comments [rss]

Gem

I only noticed this space yesterday, as I was crossing the Aurora Bridge on foot. What made me take notice at all was the posting last week about the last blade of grass to leave Fremont. Was really excited for a second... it's beautifully manicured and lush! Then I saw the tall gate surrounding it. Damn.

morfydd

"But from the outside looking in it does looks like a nice enough place."

It is. /smug

"The Burke-Gilman goes through there, we think,"

No, it goes right past it.

"but since that segment of the trail has been (un-necessarily!) closed off for the past 13 years we've never been through there."

Huh? More like 2, while they've been doing the bridge work.

Rumor has it they'll be opening the trail and street up in a week or two. Thank goodness - anything that cuts out driving through the Stupid that is Fremont traffic is good for the blood pressure.

Brian

"Is that a public space or not?"

Nope. Public greenspace in Fremont? Not if Susie Burke has anything to say about it. That lovely little park has a big iron fence to keep the non-Adobe types out. But from the outside looking in it does looks like a nice enough place.