De Soto’s data center project doubled in size from initial designs, drawing complaints
Beale Infrastructure's data center project in De Soto, Kansas, has nearly doubled in size from initial designs, prompting complaints from residents who feel it's a "breach of understanding." The De Soto Planning Commission approved the expanded scope for the $3 billion project, which will now span nearly 2.9 million square feet across four buildings. Meanwhile, another developer, Digital Realty, is proposing a 1,400-acre data center campus nearby, further fueling community concerns.
Construction has commenced on Beale Infrastructure's data center project in De Soto, Kansas, with the project scope having significantly expanded since its initial announcement in August 2025. The De Soto Planning Commission approved the changes in April and May, increasing the project from an original 1.14 million square feet to nearly 2.9 million square feet across four buildings on a 300-acre site.
Residents, including Toni Caldwell and Sara VanDeCreek, have voiced strong opposition, citing the expansion as a "breach of understanding" and criticizing the lack of genuine community engagement. They continue to raise concerns at city council meetings regarding the project's impact, including water usage, energy consumption, and sound mitigation, despite Beale Infrastructure's open house event aimed at addressing these issues.
Beale Infrastructure representatives explained that initial designs were preliminary and not part of the formal application. The company plans to use a closed-loop, air-cooled system for water conservation, claiming daily water usage similar to a restaurant. The expanded project is also expected to generate increased payments in lieu of taxes for the city and school district.
Adding to the data center activity in the area, Digital Realty is proposing a new 1,400-acre data center campus nearby. This comes after other data center applications in western and southern Johnson County, including proposals from Bullock Capital, Colossus Advisors, Beale Infrastructure, and DAMAC Digital, lost traction or were denied. Nearby cities Gardner and Edgerton also considered and rejected data center moratoriums.