$10B data center campus planned for Van Wert, bringing an anticipated 1,500 construction jobs

QTS Data Centers, a Blackstone portfolio company, in collaboration with the City of Van Wert, Ohio, has announced plans for a significant data center campus. The project, located on a 902-acre "mega site" near the U.S. 30 interchange, represents an estimated $10 billion in capital investment for northwest Ohio. City officials, including Mayor Kenneth J. Markward, have promoted the site for decades as a major economic development opportunity.

This development is projected to create 1,500 construction jobs over a five-to-six-year building phase and approximately 200 full-time QTS positions. Additionally, it is expected to generate $200 million in tax revenue for the city over the next 20 years. QTS plans to construct seven data center buildings while implementing substantial buffers and setbacks to minimize visual impact on the community.

In an effort to foster community engagement, QTS will establish a community betterment fund for local initiatives, education, workforce development, and public safety. An initial $100,000 investment will kickstart a partnership with Vantage Career Center, focusing on technical training. QTS also committed to funding all necessary energy infrastructure improvements, working with American Electric Power, assuring that these upgrades will not raise costs for existing utility customers. Furthermore, the campus will employ a closed-loop cooling system that eliminates water consumption for cooling once operational, a key sustainability feature highlighted by Brent Stevens, executive director of Van Wert Area Economic Development.