Hyperscale Data Center Proposed for Lakeland
A massive hyperscale data center, dubbed "Project Swan," is proposed for west Lakeland, Florida. The project, led by Ryan Companies U.S. Inc., is in its early concept review stage with city officials. A key hurdle is that data centers are not explicitly listed as an allowed use in Lakeland's current land development code, which may necessitate zoning and land-use changes.
A large-scale data center project, identified as "Project Swan," has been proposed for a 60.5-acre site in west Lakeland, Florida, near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road. The proposal includes three data center buildings, mechanical yards, stormwater ponds, and an electrical substation, signaling significant power demands.
Kimley-Horn submitted the concept plan review application on May 5 on behalf of Ryan Companies U.S. Inc., with Holmes Beach Family Tides LLC identified as the property owner, having acquired multiple parcels for the site. Joel Schachter, a Lutz-based investor, is linked to Holmes Beach Family Tides LLC.
City officials, including Community and Economic Development Director Brian Rewis, emphasize that the project is in its earliest stages of review and has not been approved or endorsed. A primary challenge for the development is that Lakeland's land development code does not currently list data centers as an allowed use, meaning the project is effectively prohibited unless the applicant can argue it fits an existing use, or the city amends its code.
The project site includes land currently within unincorporated Polk County, which would require annexation into Lakeland and new city land-use designations and zoning to proceed. The concept plan is scheduled for discussion at a June 3 Development Review Team meeting, which is not open to the public. Further details, such as estimated water demand, traffic impacts, and specific electrical supply plans, would be required if the project advances to an engineered site plan review.