The Allen Institute for AI (AI2) has signed a lease for a full floor in the new Northlake Commons building in Seattle, moving from its current location to a more high-profile spot on the northeast side of Lake Union. The 50,000 square foot mass-timber building is located at 3800 Latona Ave NE, offering a scenic view of the water and proximity to the Burke-Gilman Trail and the University of Washington. The building features amenities such as a plaza overlooking Lake Union, a bike room, private roof decks, and a paddleboard locker room. The institute, founded by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, has been led by Ali Farhadi since July 2023, who recently released the Open Language Model (OLMo) as part of the effort to bring transparency to generative AI models.
AI2’s new space will initially house around 200 employees, although it is not yet clear whether the institute will expand to the new location or move entirely from its current office. The move-in date has not been announced, but the lease signifies the institute’s commitment to growing its presence in the burgeoning AI corridor in Seattle. The Northlake Commons building was developed by a partnership between Seattle developer Hess Callahan Grey Group, Spear Street Capital, and the Dunn Lumber Family. The LEED-certified building includes sustainable features such as a bioswale that filters stormwater runoff to protect the surrounding environment.
The AI2 lease at Northlake Commons is part of a larger trend of tech companies expanding in the Seattle area to take advantage of the growing AI ecosystem. Ada Developers Academy, Pulumi, and Zillow have recently announced plans to open or expand offices in the city, contributing to the area’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation. The institute’s strategic move to a more visible location reflects its commitment to advancing AI research and collaboration with other leading companies in the field.
The Northlake Commons building was designed by architect Weber Thompson and constructed by general contractor Swinerton. The leasing deal was facilitated by representatives from Kidder Mathews, First Western Properties, and JLL. The announcement of AI2’s lease in the building adds to the momentum of the emerging AI corridor in the area, with other tech companies like Collaborative Robotics establishing a presence in the neighborhood. The new space will provide AI2 with a modern, sustainable, and collaborative environment to continue its groundbreaking work in the field of artificial intelligence.
Overall, AI2’s lease at the Northlake Commons building represents a significant step forward for the institute, positioning it at the forefront of the growing AI industry in Seattle. The move to a more prominent location with state-of-the-art amenities reflects AI2’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. As one of the leading AI research institutes in the world, AI2’s presence in the new building will further solidify Seattle’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology and research in the AI sector. With plans to house 200 employees initially, the new space will provide AI2 with the resources and environment needed to continue pushing the boundaries of AI research and development.
