Amazon Withdraws Plans for Four Data Centers in Ashburn, Virginia
Amazon has abandoned plans for four data centers at the former GW campus in Ashburn after community opposition and concerns about data center growth. The company and Loudoun County are pursuing a mixed-use redevelopment instead, while county supervisors postponed consideration of a potential one-year pause on new data center approvals.
Amazon has withdrawn plans to build four data centers at the former GW campus in Ashburn, Loudoun County, after neighbors raised concerns about additional data center development. The company purchased the property for $427 million but now plans to pursue a mixed-use project featuring housing, an arts center and indoor recreational space, along with a $5 million contribution to the county’s housing fund.
Amazon said it changed course after hearing community concerns and wanting to avoid costly litigation. Separately, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors postponed consideration of a proposal to pause approvals for new data center construction for up to a year. Supporters of data center development warned that a pause could create business uncertainty and invite legal challenges, while county leaders said more time is needed to establish rules for future projects. The proposal is scheduled for discussion on Nov. 17.