Latest Iron Horse data center proposal teed up for Hanover Planning Commission review

Reston-based WestDulles Properties is seeking zoning approval from the Hanover Planning Commission for its Iron Horse data center project, which would span 78 acres in Hanover County, Virginia. The proposal, an amended version of a 2025 application, is expected to be considered at the commission's June meeting. The developer previously secured zoning permission from the Ashland Town Council in late 2024 for the portion of the 180-acre project located within Ashland town limits. However, a similar proposal for the Hanover side was rejected by the Hanover Board of Supervisors the previous year. The latest iteration of the plan for the Hanover side includes several revisions to address past concerns, such as a reduction in buildable area (28 acres, with 50 acres undeveloped), an increase in green space, a height restriction of 75 feet (down from 110 feet previously approved for the Ashland side), and the elimination of a proposed residential subdivision and a vehicle access point. Attorney Andy Condlin, representing WestDulles, stated these changes aim to mitigate issues like density, building height, and transition from I-95 to rural areas that led to the prior denial. WestDulles intends to proceed with a mixed-use development under existing zoning if the data center rezoning is not approved. The company believes the data center option is superior due to less traffic, reduced stress on services, and more open space. The planning commission's vote will be a recommendation to the Hanover Board of Supervisors, who will make the final decision. This development comes as another company, Denver-based Tract, is also pursuing a 430-acre data center project in western Hanover, and the county considers adjustments to its data center tax rate.