Microsoft inks deal to move sales office to Lincoln Square

Microsoft will occupy the top 15 floors of Bellevue's Lincoln Square office tower in what the parties are calling one of the Eastside's largest office deals.

The company said today it plans to move its North American Sales Headquarters group into the 320,000-square-foot space in late summer 2007. It will fill the remaining 60 percent of the available office space in the 28 story building, which is under construction. Microsoft's space could accommodate up to 1,300 people. Terms of the lease were not disclosed.

The building, scheduled to be completed in mid-2007, will mark the north end of Kemper Development's new 1.4 million square-foot office, retail and residential project in downtown Bellevue.

Last fall, Microsoft rival Google was rumored to be interested in leasing space in Lincoln Square. The Internet search company has since picked up more space in Kirkland and is preparing to unveil a new office in Fremont.

The Microsoft deal fills the remainder of the Lincoln Square office tower. Eddie Bauer agreed last summer to move its corporate headquarters into the other 40 percent of the building's office space.

Benjamin J. Romano: bromano@seattletimes.com