In the world of tech, few places are as iconic as Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, Washington. Tucked within that sprawling campus is a building with a unique past and a bright future—Building 30.
For years, Building 30 stood as a symbol of innovation. It was once home to some of Microsoft’s most ground-breaking work. Today, it enjoys a new role. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and explore what makes this building so special.
The Golden Days of Building 30
Long before it was updated for modern use, Building 30 was known as the heart of Microsoft’s hardware development. It was the place where engineers and thinkers came together to build the future.
Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Building 30 was buzzing with energy. It housed teams working on the original Microsoft Mouse and the legendary Xbox. These were huge milestones that changed the way we interact with computers and games.
Some of the cool things that happened in Building 30 include:
- The design and test of the Intellimouse, Microsoft’s first optical mouse
- Early work and prototypes for the original Xbox
- Experiments with smart home tech, long before smart homes became trendy
Yes, this building has seen its share of gadgets and gizmos. It was almost like a playground for engineers.
Why is it Called Building 30?
Microsoft numbers its buildings instead of giving them names. So, when you’re on the Redmond campus, you’ll find places like Building 16, Building 87, and of course, Building 30.
This numbering system helps employees and visitors find their way around. It may not sound glamorous, but it’s very practical. And even though Building 30 is “just a number,” its legacy makes it unforgettable.
The Secret Labs
During its peak years, Building 30 was home to some very top-secret labs. These labs were strictly off-limits to anyone without clearance.
One of the most talked-about rooms was an echo-free chamber. It was used to test microphones and speakers. This quiet room helped Microsoft build some of the best audio technology in the world.
Another famous room? The hush-hush space that worked on the first Xbox controller. Gamers owe a lot to the folks who worked behind those doors.
As one Microsoft engineer put it, “If those walls could talk, they’d be under NDA!”
The Big Move
Like all good things, the original purpose of Building 30 eventually changed. Over time, the hardware teams moved to newer buildings with more space and updated tech.
But Building 30 didn’t close down. Microsoft had new plans for this space. It would no longer be home to gadgets, but to growth, learning, and the community.
The New Purpose: Giving Back
In recent years, Microsoft has turned Building 30 into a space for outreach and education. It’s part of the company’s mission to make tech accessible to everyone.
Some of the new roles of Building 30 include:
- Hosting STEM workshops for students
- Providing training for teachers and educators
- Running community coding camps
The building now has colorful walls, flexible furniture, and open design—completely different from its old lab-style layout. It feels more like a creative studio than a tech lab.
Future-Ready and Green
As part of Microsoft’s effort to go carbon negative, Building 30 has been upgraded. It now uses energy-efficient lighting and smart temperature controls. Recycling bins and compost options are everywhere.
There are even solar panels on the roof! Microsoft is serious about protecting the planet, and Building 30 is a part of that green mission.
Meet the Dream Team
Now, the people inside Building 30 wear many hats. You’ll find:
- Mentors guiding the next tech generation
- Event planners designing tech festivals
- Engineers teaching workshops on how AI works
The shift from “builders” to “mentors” shows how Microsoft is thinking ahead. They’re not just making products—they’re making opportunities.
Pop Culture and Fun Facts
Here are some light-hearted and fun facts about Building 30:
- It’s featured in several Xbox launch videos
- Some say it’s haunted by the ghost of old prototypes (okay, maybe not)
- The original Xbox team had Nerf wars in the hallway
- Bill Gates once stopped by and tried a prototype mouse here
Clearly, the building has been home to both serious work and lots of fun.
From Hardware to Heartware
Building 30 is no longer about hardware design. It’s now focused on what some call “heartware”—building people, not products. That shift speaks volumes about the way Microsoft sees its role today.
It’s not just about selling software or devices. It’s about empowering others to build amazing things, whether it’s a young coder in high school or a teacher learning new digital skills.
Final Thoughts
Building 30 has gone through an amazing transformation. From developing gaming consoles and computer mice to building future minds and communities—it’s been quite a journey.
Even though the gears and gadgets are gone, the spirit of innovation is still alive in every corner. The building stands as a symbol of how tech can evolve—and how the places that make it can evolve too.
So next time you’re walking through the Microsoft campus and see Building 30, give it a nod. It’s seen the past, and it’s building the future.
