Developer withdraws proposed North Loop data center in former Star Tribune printing plant
A Virginia-based developer, Legacy Investing, withdrew its proposal for a 20-megawatt data center in Minneapolis's North Loop neighborhood following strong opposition from residents over environmental impacts and job creation concerns. The withdrawal comes after the Minneapolis City Council enacted a six-month ban on data centers larger than 350,000 square feet earlier this spring. The former Star Tribune printing facility site remains without a new developer.
Legacy Investing, a Virginia-based developer, has formally withdrawn its land use application for a 20-megawatt data center project at the former Star Tribune printing facility in Minneapolis's North Loop neighborhood. The decision follows significant public outcry from local residents who voiced strong opposition at neighborhood forums last month.
Residents primarily cited concerns over potential environmental impacts of the facility and doubted its ability to create lasting jobs within the city. Minneapolis spokesperson Jess Olstad confirmed Legacy Investing's withdrawal, stating the city looks forward to working with other partners for the site's future. Legacy Investing previously developed a data center in the Sleep Number building in downtown Minneapolis but did not respond to recent requests for comment regarding this withdrawal.
This development comes amidst growing scrutiny of data center projects, with the Minneapolis City Council having passed a six-month moratorium earlier this spring on data centers exceeding 350,000 square feet. The Star Tribune, through Vice President Chris Iles, confirmed that it still owns the Heritage Printing Facility site and remains committed to maximizing its value for the community and its journalism, but did not comment on the reasons for the terminated purchase agreement or future development plans.