MADISON, Wis. -- Web industry titan Google unveiled Tuesday plans to open a facility in downtown Madison this fall.

The California-based search engine company is the second major high-tech firm in a week to expand to the city.

Google plans to build an engineering office to focus on hardware and software systems design, The Capital Times reported. The company has leased space for a 5,000-foot facility on South Blount Street that's expected to open in the fall.

Google representatives aren't saying how many people will work there, but the company says it chose Madison for its quality of life, deep talent pool and commitment to education.

The newspaper cited an unnamed source who said that Google has been running a lab near Capitol Square since the fall.

On Tuesday, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz hailed Google's announcement in a written statement. He said that Google's announcement is good news for the local economy and validates the city's efforts to attract jobs.

"This is good news for our local economy and further evidence that Madison is well-positioned to create the jobs of the future," Cieslewicz said.

The mayor also pointed out that Google's announcement follows word last week that its rival Microsoft is opening a location in the city's downtown as well. Microsoft announced plans last week to open an advanced development lab in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.