Google’s New Headquarters at St. John’s Terminal Nears Completion in Hudson Square, Manhattan

Work is nearing completion on Google’s 1.3 million-square-foot headquarters at 550 Washington Street in Hudson Square. Designed by COOKFOX Architects and developed by Oxford Properties, the 232-foot-tall building is the centerpiece of the company’s “Googleplex” master plan that will encompass a grand total of 1.7 million square feet across three separate structures. The other two sites include 315 Hudson Street and 345 Hudson Street. Turner Construction is responsible for building the 12-story project over the brick-clad base that was historically known as St. John’s Terminal. 550 Washington Street spans two full city blocks between West Street, West Houston Street, Washington Street, and the New York Department of Sanitation building.

Construction has progressed steadily since our last update in September, with the scaffolding dismantled from the northern end of the podium levels.

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

The western façade facing the Hudson River is substantially done with only the ground floor of the building left to be enclosed. This portion still sits behind the stretch of sidewalk scaffolding. The exterior mechanical hoist has yet to be removed, indicating that interior work is still progressing.

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

The golden hour lighting warmly illuminates the mix of metal panels, floor-to-ceiling glass, and brick walls.

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

Photos of 550 Washington Street from Christopher Street Pier show how the architectural height respects the context of the surrounding neighborhood and Hudson River waterfront.

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

Paneling on the mechanical extension above the stepped setbacks is almost done.

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

Most of the more recent work has been focused on finishing the northern profile of 550 Washington Street. This has the more complex elements of the exterior, as it includes numerous design elements that make up the large podium, a staggered canopy made of glass and steel, and the now-completed upper office floors.

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

550 Washington Street. Photo by Michael Young

Directly behind the wall of construction boards and sidewalk barriers will be a stepped procession of lush landscaping and shrubbery spread across the first level and the overhanging canopy.

Rendering of 550 Washington Street by COOKFOX Architects

Occupants at 550 Washington Street will have access to a number of outdoor landscaped terraces and expansive rooftop areas that overlook the Hudson River and the Lower Manhattan and Midtown skylines. A full list of office amenities has yet to be disclosed.

Rendering of 550 Washington Street by COOKFOX Architects

YIMBY last reported that 550 Washington Street is expected to be completed sometime next year.

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