Summer construction at Duke: What to know about closures, delays, major projects
Duke University is undertaking several major construction projects this summer, including the development of a new 13,000-square-foot data center near Central Campus. The $40 million data center, with a 1.5 megawatt capacity, is designed to align with the University's sustainability goals and is expected to open in the 2027-28 academic year. Other projects include building renovations, utility system upgrades, and new athletic facilities across campus.
Duke University is currently engaged in several significant construction projects across its campus, including a new 13,000-square-foot data center near Central Campus. The two-story data center, estimated to cost around $40 million and expected to open in the 2027-28 academic year, will be located on the east side of Anderson Street and connect to one of the University’s chilled water plants.
According to Toddi Steelman, vice president and vice provost for climate and sustainability, the facility will be considerably smaller than typical hyperscale projects and its design intentionally aligns with Duke's sustainability goals and Climate Commitment. Tracey Futhey, vice president of information technology and chief information officer, noted that the facility's 1.5 megawatt capacity is projected to increase Duke’s energy usage by 2% to 3%. Vice President of Facilities Tom Morrison assured that the data center project will not interfere with current or future land uses.
Beyond the data center, other major campus renovations include a $78.5 million overhaul of the Reuben-Cooke Building, utility upgrades around Cameron Indoor Stadium, and new athletic facilities like the David Koch Jr. Player Performance Center and an expansion to the Krzyzewski Center for Athletic Excellence. An extensive $64 million upgrade to Duke’s East Campus library is also underway, with completion expected in spring 2027, along with various other infrastructure improvements and landscaping projects set to conclude through 2028.