Amazon proposes up to 1,500 housing units on Virginia campus in place of data centers
Amazon has proposed developing up to 1,548 housing units, community facilities and recreation space on George Washington University’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. The proposal replaces Amazon’s withdrawn plan to build four data center buildings after opposition from Loudoun County officials and residents over zoning, power constraints and environmental concerns.
Amazon filed a pre-application with Loudoun County for “Project Potomac Promise,” a mixed-use development of 1,290 to 1,548 housing units on approximately 95 acres of the Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. The plan also includes a community arts center, sports and recreation facilities, affordable housing and the reuse of existing buildings.
The proposal follows Amazon’s agreement to abandon plans for four data center buildings totaling more than 800,000 square feet on the campus. Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall said the agreement was reached after significant community opposition, including a petition with more than 2,500 signatures. Amazon also agreed to dedicate 25 acres to the county for community facilities and contribute $5 million to Loudoun’s Housing Fund. Officials and residents had raised concerns about the data centers’ zoning status, electricity constraints and potential pollution.