Everybody’s favorite search engine is all grown up and is quickly becoming a global software powerhouse. As such, the Mountain View, CA based titan has been expanding its presence throughout the world, with Chicago as no exception.
Google is not typically associated with Chicago, but its Midwest headquarters in Chicago has become a critical hub. By the end of 2008, what had started as a two-person office run out of a Lincoln Park apartment had grown into a 500-person operation, functioning out of a state-of-the-art facility at 20 W. Kinzie Street.
All the while, WBC has partnered with Google to help cultivate its growth in the city. The company’s Chicago success parallels WBC’s success in extending Chicago’s voice as a world-class science, technology and digital community.
Google’s Chicago office houses sales, advertising and engineering functions. The company has supported the City of Chicago and other public agencies on numerous initiatives, including Google Transit’s real-time CTA mapping and the creation of Mayor Daley’s YouTube channel. And, WBC has continually served as a link between the City and Google, as well as a liaison for the company throughout the course of its multiple expansions.
From the more meager beginnings of a loft residence/office on the north side to their fiery new downtown home at 20 West Kinzie Street, Googlers have experienced rapid expansion in the Chicago market.
Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericolson/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
