DURHAM – Google’s news that it will build an engineering hub in Durham with some 1,000 jobs to be created did not come as a surprise to Duke University.

“We were able to help Google accelerate their transition by providing space in the Durham,” Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations,” tells WRAL TechWire’s Jason Parker.

“The ID {Innovation District] building that currently houses the Duke Clinical Research Institute” is where the Google operation will be based as the company looks for a permanent location.

“We have been working with Google for a several months on this move,” Schoenfeld adds, noting that the university “will decline to comment on the terms.”

Google picks Durham for engineering hub, aims to create 1,000 jobs

The center will be built in Downtown Durham through a sublease of space from Duke University at 200 W. Morris Street in the Durham Innovation District, according to a spokesperson for the company. It is evaluating “several locations for its eventual permanent home,” the company added.

Thursday’s news also further deepens an existing relationship between Duke and Google, Schoenfeld notes.

“This is a big, big deal for Durham and for Duke. It confirms our position as both a magnet for innovation, and a great place to live,” he explains.

“Duke already has a number of relationships and connections with Google – in engineering, IT, business and health care, among others – and we expect this will create exciting new opportunities for students, faculty and the community.”

Duke also is working with Microsoft on cloud computing, including a research center at The Chesterfield building in Durham.