Microsoft paid nearly $40 million for land in central Iowa that could become its seventh and first data center in Van Meter.
Limited public information is available regarding this project. But it is clear that the facility will be Microsoft’s first data center outside of West Des Moines, where the company operates five locations and is planning a sixth.
Microsoft purchased more than 221 acres of land southeast of the intersection of 360th Street and Richland Avenue on the southeast edge of Van Meter in January, according to Dallas County real estate records. Records show the company purchased an additional 193 acres just south of 365th Street.
Most of the north side of the property is across from a residential area.
“The city recognizes that these residents are in very close proximity,” Van Meter City Administrator Liz Faust told the Des Moines Register. “When we get to the planning stage, we will have their best interests and the rest of the nation’s best interests in mind.”
He said the city has no further information other than that Microsoft’s planning process will begin in the coming weeks and months. The company said it would establish a community engagement team during the process.
Faust added: “Once we receive the review plan, we will have a better idea of how data centers may impact residential areas.”
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This data center will be Microsoft’s first in Van Meter, but the company already has two others in Dallas County, two in Polk County and one in Warren County. In December, Microsoft spent more than $15 million buying land for a new data center in Madison County.
All six are within West Des Moines city limits.
Microsoft and other tech companies like to build in central Iowa because land and utility costs are relatively low. Research is also expanding into advanced artificial intelligence systems, which require large amounts of computing power and, therefore, large amounts of space for water to cool equipment and equipment. Masu.
Philip Sitter focuses on reporting on suburban growth and development in the western metropolitan area for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached by email at psitter@gannett.com. He’s on his X (previously known as his Twitter) @pslifeisabeauty.
