Planning Commission Opposes Data Center Application; Supports Flex, “Micro” Data Center Combo Concept
The Loudoun Planning Commission voted against a data center application by B. F. Saul Real Estate Company in Sterling, recommending denial to the Board of Supervisors. However, the commission supported a separate proposal by St. John Properties for flex industrial space combined with "micro" data center uses near Dulles Landing.
The Loudoun Planning Commission recently considered two distinct data center development applications. For a proposal by B. F. Saul Real Estate Company to rezone 37.24 acres in Sterling to permit three data center buildings, the commission voted 5-4 to recommend denial to the Board of Supervisors. This project would replace three existing hotels, a conference center, and an aerospace company, prompting concerns from commissioners like Clifford Keirce (Sterling) about data centers replacing other businesses and driving up land prices.
In contrast, the commission unanimously (8-0) supported an application from St. John Properties to rezone 18.67 acres near Dulles Landing for a project combining flex industrial space with "micro" data center uses. This proposal aims to dedicate 25,000 square feet in each of three buildings to data center functions, with the remainder for flex industrial space. Curata Partners CEO Colleen Gillis, representing St. John, emphasized that these would be small, integrated data centers without external security fencing, generators, or cooling equipment, designed for records retention. Loudoun Economic Development Executive Buddy Rizer supported the flex industrial aspect, noting high demand in the county for such space.