St. Louis Board approves Midtown data center
The St. Louis Board of Adjustment has approved a $3 billion data center project in Midtown. The project's approval, without a signed tenant, has sparked discussion among local journalists regarding the city's financial negotiations and the viability of such developments.
The St. Louis Board of Adjustment has given its approval to a $3 billion data center project slated for Midtown, near the Armory. This decision was a focal point of discussion for Sarah Fenske and Alvin Reid on DonnybrookSTL.
The approval came despite the fact that a tenant has not yet signed a lease for the facility. Panelists questioned the city's strategy, suggesting that while "money talks" in these deals, the city should drive a hard bargain and ensure developers contribute significantly upfront.
Concerns were raised about the project's viability without a confirmed tenant, with one panelist asking if any data center would be willing to "pay through the nose" for a location in Midtown St. Louis. City officials, however, are reportedly optimistic about the financial benefits.