UMich finalizes purchase of Textile Road parcel for planned Ypsilanti data center

The University of Michigan has finalized the acquisition of a 124-acre parcel on Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township, bringing its total landholding at the site to 144 acres. This property is one of two potential locations for a data center the university intends to construct in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory. The project, which involves the development of nuclear weapons, has sparked considerable opposition from Ypsilanti Township residents and University of Michigan community members, who voice concerns about its potential impact on the electrical grid and environment. Township officials have expressed strong disapproval of the Textile Road location, noting its proximity to the Huron River, a public park, and an affordable housing development. They advocate for the data center to be built at an industrial site owned by the American Center for Mobility in Willow Run, also within Ypsilanti Township. Officials allege that the University has not communicated properly throughout the site selection process and is conducting negotiations regarding the Willow Run site in bad faith. According to an email from Township Attorney Douglas Winters, University Vice President for Government Relations Chris Kolb notified Township Supervisor Brenda L. Stumbo of the land purchase via text *after* the deal was finalized, further fueling accusations of the University's "arrogance" and lack of communication. In response, Paul Corliss, assistant vice president for public affairs and internal communications for the University, stated that no site has been officially selected for the data center, and the Textile Road acquisition merely ensures access to a viable option while due diligence continues. Corliss affirmed that the site selection process remains active, with no set timeline, and includes a rigorous evaluation of both the Textile Road and Willow Run properties.