$1.2 billion in D-FW data center projects filed in recent weeks
Over $1.2 billion in new data center projects from DataBank, Digital Realty, Edged, and CoreSite have been registered in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. These developments are proceeding despite calls from state leaders for increased scrutiny over water and electricity use, and some localized community opposition. City officials in Garland and Irving have approved plans for some of these projects.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has seen over $1.2 billion in new data center projects registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) since August 31. These projects, from four major companies, build upon existing holdings in Red Oak, Fort Worth, Garland, and Irving, having been planned for several years.
Key developments include DataBank's $425 million addition to its 300-acre Red Oak campus in Ellis County, featuring a nearly 450,000-square-foot data center (DFW15) set to begin construction in February 2027. This follows a recently registered $325 million DFW14 building and is supported by $1.45 billion in new financing secured by DataBank. Outgoing CEO Raul Martynek confirmed electricity for the project was secured from Oncor and ERCOT two years prior. Digital Realty is expanding its hyperscale campus in Garland with a $300 million project started this summer, which will add a 672,000-square-foot data center with 10 data hall suites. Garland officials previously approved economic incentives for portions of this campus, including a site where Wells Fargo is an occupant. Edged plans a $300 million, nearly 486,000-square-foot data center in southwest Fort Worth, the second building in its 'Project Outpost' development. CoreSite is building a $200 million, 230,000-square-foot facility in Irving, with plans approved by the Irving City Council in February; CanTex Grauwyler LLC and CoreSite Real Estate IRV LLC are listed as owners.
These projects are advancing amidst increased scrutiny from state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, over data center water use and electricity demand. Residents have actively opposed some proposed data centers through meetings and lawsuits, though the report notes investment remains strong. Cushman & Wakefield's report identifies Dallas-Fort Worth as the largest data center market in Texas and the fifth most active development market in the Americas, with growth shifting to areas south of Dallas like Lancaster, Red Oak, and Midlothian due to land availability. The report also highlights the importance of long-term power planning for developers, citing Abbott's policy requiring data centers to fund their own electrical infrastructure and ERCOT's