Former Train Station Becomes Google's New Office

Tech giant Google opened its New York headquarters in a 1930s-era railroad terminal on the banks of the Hudson River. Located at the intersection of Hudson River Park, the West Village, SoHo and Tribeca, the St. John’s Terminal building has 12 floors and 1.3 million square feet of space. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of the new Google New York headquarters in the St. John’s Terminal building.

A collaboration between COOKFOX Architects, Gensler and Oxford Properties

The renovated St. John’s Terminal building is touted as a workplace designed primarily for the needs of Google’s teams. But it also provides a habitat for local flora and fauna. The project was designed by COOKFOX Architects and, of course, shaped according to both the expectations and vision of the tech giant Google. The new design prioritizes environmental awareness and sustainability.

While the building stands out as a masterpiece, it also provides a new home for local flora and fauna. According to Sean Downey, Google’s Head of Americas and Global Affairs, 95% of the plants in the project are endemic to New York State. As Downey explains, the building attracts people visually and technologically, while its terraces of plants and rail bed gardens attract a variety of bird species. In the design of the building, some of the original railroad tracks were preserved and used as a historic touch. The renovation process reduced the environmental impact by avoiding the emission of around 78,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide and prevented construction waste from going to landfills. This is the equivalent of taking around 17,000 cars off the road for a year. In collaboration with design firms CookFox Architects and Gensler, the project harmoniously blends old and new to create a modern office space. The complex has a facade that combines metal panels, floor-to-ceiling glass and brick walls. Inside, flexible workspaces and shared neighborhoods offer Google employees options to suit different work styles.

New Google Office St. John’s Train Terminal

Google’s new headquarters in New York is also designed to serve as a hub for its customers and partners. On several floors, there are shared spaces that encourage collaborative work. These spaces are planned to serve as an important hub for Google’s global business organization.

In addition to honoring a historical landmark, the project was designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The building’s green spaces and sustainable features contribute to local biodiversity and help raise environmental awareness. This approach reflects Google’s environmental responsibility and efforts to contribute to society.

Google’s new headquarters in New York is more than just a modern office space, it is a center that promotes environmental sustainability and a collaborative work culture. This project represents an important step in demonstrating the company’s environmental and social responsibility. Let’s say a new one has been added to those Google Offices that every employee is interested in, wants to work in and envies.

Images courtesy of Google