Construction of Data Center Campus North of Minooka Will Start in Few Weeks

The Minooka Village Board recently approved three critical items for the Equinix Data Center campus project, paving the way for construction to commence in the coming weeks. These approvals included the final plat for property recording, an amendment to the site development plan to allow mass grading and off-site material movement, and a utility maintenance right-of-way hold harmless agreement, crucial for the village to access and maintain water and sewer lines running to the secured site. According to an unnamed representative, the village expects immediate financial benefits from the project. Equinix is slated to reimburse Minooka approximately $4 million for water and sewer infrastructure previously installed, which had spurred development in the area. Additionally, Kendall County will receive $2 million from Equinix to support the expansion of Ridge Road to four lanes, anticipating future needs. Further reimbursements to the village will cover tap-on fees, and smaller fees are owed to the fire department and library, totaling over $13 million triggered by the final plat recording. The building plan for Equinix's campus is projected to span roughly 10 years, beginning with the construction of three or four AI buildings, followed by a large substation, and subsequent buildings. The site, located at the corner of Ridge and Walde, will include a 600-foot setback for buffer, landscaping, architecture, and a sound barrier wall.