Google looking in Seattle; Bellevue tower developer casting net for tenants

It could be a while before Google finds office space in the Seattle area.

A month ago, commercial real-estate brokers were saying they heard that Google had signed a letter of intent with Texas-based Hines development company to lease about 300,000 square feet at Tower 333, a 20-story office building under construction at Northeast Fourth Street and 108th Avenue Northeast in downtown Bellevue.

Now, they're saying Google's move to Tower 333 is no longer a go.

"They're considering other alternatives," said Parker Ferguson, co-founder of Seattle brokerage Flinn Ferguson, which is looking for office space on Google's behalf.

Google started talking with owners of other office buildings in the Seattle area last week, Ferguson said.

Although a letter of intent suggests that a deal is imminent, it's not legally binding, meaning either side could walk away at any time.

Google's expansion plans have been the subject of much speculation within the Seattle brokerage community for about a year. The California-based company reportedly requires anyone with whom it has discussed its plans to sign a nondisclosure agreement.

Brokers said it's not clear why Google is now looking beyond Tower 333 for new offices, but Bellevue's loss could be Seattle's gain.

Oscar Oliveira, a broker at Colliers International in Bellevue, said he believes Google has turned its attention to parts of Seattle, such as Belltown and South Lake Union, that tend to be popular with young technology workers.

"I heard they're looking for something that better fits their California tech image," Oliveira said.

Another possible explanation might be last month's fatal construction crane accident in downtown Bellevue. A crane working at Tower 333 collapsed Nov. 16, damaging three nearby buildings. Matt Ammon, a Microsoft attorney, died when the 210-foot crane crashed into his apartment.

Amy Martinez: 206-464-2923 or amartinez@seattletimes.com