We're hearing from very credible sources that Google is the top contender to buy 188 The Embarcadero. (Let's hope the seller accepts Google Wallet.)
It would make sense because Google is located at Hills Plaza across the street. (For a search giant, just looking across the street seems anti-climactic.) The location would help Google create that campus-type feeling it craves. Last week, we wrote about 188 being one of three prime downtown office buildings USAA/Ares put up for sale this spring, drawing tons of interest. Cushman, which is marketing 188, had no comment. We hear pricing for each of the three buildings is going berserk and 188 is no exception; sources estimate it could trade for between $750/SF to $800/SF. One recently signed tenant inside is Sand Hill Road VC titan GI Partners.
