Ever since Crain’s reported that Google is considering a move to the new 1K Fulton development in the West Loop commenters at various websites have treated the deal as a fait accompli that would precipitate imminent change in the area. Here’s how Crain’s phrased the impact:

If a deal is struck, it would dramatically reshape the gentrifying Fulton Market-Randolph area, where foodies flock to a thriving restaurant row but major office tenants have yet to arrive.

Landing one of the world’s most recognizable companies would bring instant legitimacy to an office market now made up of small tenants in low-rise loft buildings.

There’s been no official announcement of a Google / 1K Fulton deal, but there’s little doubt that the area is changing. The new Morgan Street CTA station both reflects and anticipates greater development nearby.

The building’s tag phrase is “Work. Eat. Chill.” “Chill” looks back to the building’s history as a cold storage facility, but also describes its current state. There has been no construction activity at the 1K Fulton site for more than two weeks. When I stopped by on Friday a worker tending some on-site equipment could only say that he “hoped to start back up again soon.”