Story is updated below!
Microsoft confirmed to Yo! Venice! today that they will be taking over 812 Main (update: the location has now been “unconfirmed” by Microsoft) the former Broadway Gymnastics building. It is believed that this location will be part of Microsoft’s new Los Angeles production studio, which was announced in September. The Studio will develop interactive and linear content for Xbox and other devices, with Nancy Tellem, the former president of CBS Network Television Entertainment Group, running the show as Entertainment & Digital Media president.
Update: As Microsoft is a large company, it seems there was a bit of “miscommunication” regarding our inquiry. I have been updated (7pm) that their new location will not be part of their announced production studio. Their Venice location, now given as 901 Abbot Kinney (The old Eames Studio), will be a “Microsoft Experience” location where people can “engage and collaborate” with Microsoft and Microsoft products. It will not be a retail store. They will be updating us with more information later!
Craig Beilinson, the Director of Microsoft Consumer Communications, told Yo! Venice!:
“Microsoft is delighted to confirm that we are leasing space in Venice. We cannot wait to learn more about this unique community and get to know our new neighbors better.”
The location still puts Microsoft walking distance from Google’s Venice campus.
