The Chronicle's report is based on documents it received from the Port of San Francisco, which were also provided to CNET by CBS' San Francisco affiliate KPIX. CBS is the parent company of CNET. The documents show detailed plans for the barge-based structure, which CNET was first to connect to Google.
CNET had previously requested information about the project from the Port of San Francisco, but was told the agency had none.
According to the Chronicle, which received the documents via a Freedom of Information Act request, the structure's builder went into some details about what it was supposed to be:
On Wednesday, Google spoke publicly for the first time about what has become known widely as "Google barge:" "Google Barge ... A floating data center? A wild party boat? A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur? Sadly, none of the above," Google said in a statement. "Although it's still early days and things may change, we're exploring using the barge as an interactive space where people can learn about new technology."
The Chronicle's story doesn't address the ultimate purpose of a second Google barge that is currently located in Portland, Maine. But it is safe to assume that Google had very much the same goal in mind for that structure.
Oddly, though Google has confirmed its connection to the project -- as have at least two public agencies, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) and the National Park Service -- there is no mention of Google in the documents.
Called the "San Francisco Studio" in the documents, the floating building was expected to be serving its finished purpose from November 2013 through November 2014. That time frame has been delayed at least somewhat, however, as the Google Barge sits, still covered in scaffolding and dark netting, alongside Pier 1 on Treasure Island. The schedule laid forth in the documents called for the structure to have moved to Fort Mason in San Francisco by now.
Via : CNET
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