New AI data center set to quietly open in South Loop this year

A new AI data center, named HydraVault, is slated to quietly open in Chicago's South Loop by the end of this year. Located at South Wabash Avenue and East 25th Street in the city's 3rd ward, the facility was initially planned as an esports arena before its conversion into a small-scale AI data center. The project recently received approval from the City of Chicago to commence construction. However, its development has been shrouded in mystery, with neighbors expressing surprise and lack of prior knowledge regarding the project's groundbreaking. This lack of transparency has fueled concerns, particularly given the nationwide controversies surrounding data centers related to their significant power consumption and water usage. Reporters attempting to gather information from the real estate developer owning the data center, as well as local politicians who have supported the project, have been met with silence. This lack of communication from both developers and public officials has left community members with unanswered questions about the data center's operations and potential impacts.