Cushman & Wakefield, a global commercial real estate company, said Friday that it would add 600 jobs to its already big presence in the St. Louis area.

Most of the new employees added over the next three years will work at newly leased space at 575 Maryville Centre Drive, in Town and Country. Cushman & Wakefield also will expand its office in downtown St. Louis.

The growth will allow the company to get state of Missouri incentives based on its creation of new jobs and property investments.

“This expansion is a clear indication of our dedication to the St. Louis community, our employees and our clients,” said Joe Stettinius, Cushman & Wakefield’s chief executive for the Americas. “Our employees in St. Louis have played a crucial role in the growth of our firm, from both a local and national perspective.”

Cushman & Wakefield already employs about 900 people at seven offices in the St. Louis area. The company said it would grow its St. Louis-area Global Occupier Services and Property Client Accounting groups, which serve national and global clients. Human resources, IT and accounting services also will expand, the company said.

Gov. Jay Nixon praised the expansion, which he said would represent a $17.4 million investment.