Tech behemoth Microsoft recently announced it would be moving its offices from Creve Coeur to the newest expansion in the Central West End’s Cortex area.
The move is part of a $55 million,180,00- square-foot office and lab expansion in the innovation district. Microsoft will be bringing nearly 150 jobs to the development, approximately 60 current jobs and adding 90 new positions.
Such a tech giant making the move to an area associated with St. Louis’ start up culture and research is a great vote of confidence for the district.
Microsoft will be leasing 30,000 square feet in the development.
The St. Louis office will be regional headquarters for states like Missouri, Kansas and Tennessee, according to Ervin Flores, General Manager of Microsoft’s Mid-America District.
The new development will also include a Microsoft Technology Center, where customers can work with employees to design custom technology system. Microsoft currently runs around 40 of these centers around the world, moving St. Louis into some exclusive company.
One major draw to Microsoft was the ability for Microsoft employees to interact with start ups and researchers in the Cortex district. The Technology Center will also give the district’s start ups and tech companies the opportunity to test the newest and cutting edge products form Microsoft.
On hand for the announcement of the project were Outgoing St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens.
Washing University will be the other anchor tenant, leasing 69,000 square feet of the development.
