Inside one of Massachusetts largest data centers
MassLive toured Markley’s 352,000-square-foot data center in Lowell, which serves more than 500 clients, including hospitals, universities and businesses. The facility can use up to 40 megawatts of electricity and 120,000 gallons of water daily, while neighbors have raised concerns about noise and air quality from its 21 diesel generators.
MassLive visited Markley’s data center in Lowell, Massachusetts, a former Prince spaghetti factory that now houses infrastructure supporting more than 500 clients. The 352,000-square-foot facility serves hospitals, universities, businesses and Fenway Park, helping support services such as 911 systems, internet access and online applications.
The center can draw as much as 40 megawatts of electricity and use up to 120,000 gallons of water each day for cooling. Its 21 diesel generators are tested individually each week, creating noise that nearby residents say affects the neighborhood and air quality. Markley said the campus was designed with noise suppression, has invested about $700,000 per generator to reduce emissions, and operates a certified arboretum with more than 1,500 trees.