Harbor Farmz offers industrial Kalamazoo location for potential AI data center repurposing
Harbor Farmz is offering its industrial cannabis facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for potential repurposing as an AI data center. CEO Michael Ward anticipates strong demand and highlights the site's existing zoning approval and potential for economic benefits. He also claims the repurposed facility would have a lower environmental impact in terms of water and electricity usage compared to new data centers.
Michael Ward, founder and CEO of Harbor Farmz, announced the offering of his company's industrial cannabis facility on Full Circle Drive in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for potential repurposing as an AI data center. While no deal is imminent, Ward expects significant interest due to the high demand for data center space in Michigan.
He emphasized that the existing facility, built in 2020 and designed for high-energy operations, already has full zoning approval from the City of Kalamazoo. Ward stated that converting the facility from an agriculture-based operation to a technology-based data center would create high-level jobs and have a positive economic impact on the city. He also addressed environmental concerns, asserting that a data center at this location would use less water and electricity than its former cannabis cultivation, thereby reducing community impact compared to new hyper data centers. The company plans to relocate its cannabis operations within Kalamazoo if the sale for data center use proceeds.