Kansas’ first hyperscale data center to be twice as big as developers pitched
Developers are constructing Kansas' first hyperscale data center in De Soto, but have expanded its size to nearly 3 million square feet, more than double the initial pitch. While city officials state the project complies with zoning, residents express skepticism and concerns about environmental impacts and noise. The De Soto City Council has tabled a decision on contracting a consultant to better regulate data center noise, with discussions set to resume.
Construction for Kansas's first hyperscale data center, developed by San Francisco-based Beale Infrastructure, is underway in De Soto. The project's initial proposal to the De Soto City Council in August 2025 outlined a 1.14 million-square-foot campus. However, developers have significantly expanded the project, with the first phase's site plan, approved by the De Soto Planning Commission in April and May, already totaling 1.16 million square feet for two buildings, and the entire campus expected to reach nearly 3 million square feet.
City Administrator Mike Brungardt confirmed the approved site plan complies with city zoning regulations, explaining that initial conceptual designs were preliminary and subject to change. The expansion, partly due to the addition of a closed-loop, air-cooled facility to minimize water use, is expected to result in larger economic impacts for De Soto, including $163 million for taxing districts.
Despite city assurances, De Soto residents, including Kristi Hinkle, remain skeptical, raising concerns about the potential environmental and human health impacts of the 24/7 operation and the city's lack of specific regulations for such a massive facility. Following an open house, the De Soto City Council tabled a decision to hire a consultant to develop noise regulations for data centers, with the discussion scheduled to resume on July 16.