Microsoft has decided to sign on for another five years in downtown St. Paul, officials announced Friday.
The software giant is renewing its lease through 2019 at Wells Fargo Place, where it has based a satellite office since 2009. About 40 people work at the office, which develops software products and cloud services.
"Our staff in St. Paul is a testament to the quality of employees we're able to recruit in this region and the products and services we're able to help develop here," said general manager Doug Olson.
Microsoft's St. Paul products include those aimed at helping customers build Internet browser software.
A recent report showed that the office vacancy rate in St. Paul's central business district late last year was 18.9 percent. However, Class A properties — which include Wells Fargo Place — had a vacancy rate of 11.2 percent.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
