Controversy sweeps up landmark Loop office building being eyed for data center
A proposal to convert the lower half of a landmark office building at 300 West Adams Street in downtown Chicago into a data center has been greenlit by the Permit Review of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. The plan now moves to the full commission for review, facing pushback from preservation groups concerned about setting a dangerous precedent for redeveloping historic buildings. Developer Igor Gabal highlights the need to repurpose Class C office space and addresses concerns about power and water usage.
A proposal to convert a portion of the landmark office building at 300 West Adams Street in downtown Chicago into a data center is advancing, despite significant opposition from preservation groups. The Permit Review of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks has approved the plans for the lower half of the building, sending the proposal to the full commission for a final decision.
Investor Igor Gabal, whose venture owns the 12-story, 240,000-square-foot property in partnership with Victor Khosla’s firm, argues that redeveloping vacant Class C office space is necessary for the Loop's property tax base. Preservation Chicago, led by executive director Ward Miller, contends that converting parts of a city landmark into a data center could establish a dangerous precedent for other historic buildings.
Gabal addressed concerns about resource consumption, stating the data center would use a maximum of 50 megawatts and connect to CenTrio’s district chilled water system, mitigating the need for a separate water system. The project aims to provide faster internet connections for downtown users. The committee ruled that excess heat, another common environmental concern, was outside its jurisdiction.