Downtown Cleveland’s Largest Data Center Plans Major Expansion

H5 Data Centers, the operator of Downtown Cleveland's largest data center at 1625 Rockwell Ave., is moving forward with a significant expansion plan. This project will involve acquiring an additional 0.75 acres of land and demolishing five retail spaces located at 1536-40 St. Clair and 1616-36 St. Clair avenues. The expansion is intended to enlarge the data center's generator yard, with H5 affiliate CLE-Infrastructure LLC having acquired the properties in January 2025. The demolition and expansion plans have led to the eviction of several long-standing small businesses, including Cleveland Safe/Cleveland Key & Security, Ambitious Ink Printing Company, Kk Lustrouz Kollection, and Spaces & Co. Mark Brajdich, owner of Cleveland Safe for nearly 50 years, expressed frustration over the short notice for relocation and the challenge of finding suitable new space, stating his business was taken to housing court for eviction. He secured a smaller location but highlighted the difficulties faced by all tenants. The project includes constructing a new screen wall along St. Clair Avenue designed to maintain the aesthetic characteristics of the demolished storefronts. This development occurs amidst growing controversies in Ohio regarding data center expansions, particularly concerning their environmental impact and demands on local infrastructure.