Georgia developer finalizes plans to downsize $2 billion data center on Indy’s east side; cites community feedback
A Georgia-based developer, DC Blox, has downsized its proposed $2 billion data center project on Indianapolis's east side, citing community feedback and national concerns about power consumption. The revised plan for the former Ford Visteon site eliminates 25 diesel generators and reduces power demand, with the first phase of a one-story, 80,000-square-foot building pending local approval. The company states the optimized design addresses neighborhood density, utility capacity, and visual impact while maintaining economic benefits.
DC Blox, a Georgia-based developer, has reduced the scope of its proposed $2 billion data center campus on Indianapolis's east side, at the former Ford Visteon manufacturing site. The decision to downsize was made in response to public feedback from residents of Irvington and Warren Township, as well as stakeholders and municipal representatives, coupled with increasing national scrutiny over data center power consumption.
The initial proposal for the "Thunderbird Commerce Center" included three buildings and a $2 billion investment. The scaled-back plan now commits $700-800 million for land acquisition, site development, and building construction, with an additional $1.3-1.4 billion for equipment. A key change involves eliminating 25 diesel backup generators to reduce power demand. The first phase of construction, focusing on a one-story, 80,000-square-foot building, is contingent upon the approval of a variance and replat. DC Blox emphasized that the facility would not be a large hyperscale AI data center but rather support smaller-scale applications and regional network communications. The developer also stated the project would utilize a closed-loop cooling system, resulting in water usage similar to an office building. DC Blox projects the campus will be a significant property-tax contributor in Warren Township/Marion County and create 35 permanent, high-wage jobs, without negatively impacting local traffic. The company expressed that the layout changes are a proactive step to address community concerns while preserving the economic advantages of the investment.