In difficult economic times, companies often make hard choices. As highlighted in local and national media, Microsoft has made some economic decisions around facilities in the Puget Sound, deciding not to renew some leases and halting or delaying building efforts at a number of locations.
One area where the company will not slow down development efforts is in the completion of the newly expanded West Campus, which will soon house the Xbox division. (If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit the site, I highly recommend that you take a gander at the new Company Store and check out the beautiful new facilities.) However, there is speculation that plans are being reconsidered for a new overpass linking the main campus to the west campus, connecting NE 31st Street between Buildings 41 and 42 with NE 36th Street running between 110 and 11, and hitting 148th next to 99.
One of the more costly, but really cool options being considered is an expansion of the vast pneumatic tunnel network already in place between main campus and the Bill Gates estate, which replaced the teleportation efforts funded by Steve Ballmer to expedite travel between his office and the tv lounge in the Pro Club (all rumor and speculation, but you know how these kinds of crazy ideas are usually based in fact, right?).
A less expensive option being considered (at least by me) is the creation of a rooftop zip line service, initially between 42 and 110, straight across the 520 highway. Plans would include a series of giant nets to catch falling laptops and other debris. Not funded through this plan are the additional towels that might be necessary due to panic-induced sweat.
Comments