A developer wants to turn three Lorain County industrial buildings into a data center campus
A developer proposes to convert three existing industrial buildings on the former Nordson Corporation campus in Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio, into a data center. The project requires a use variance as data centers are not currently allowed under the city's industrial codes. A public hearing on the zoning application is scheduled for July 29th, with a decision expected within two weeks.
A developer is seeking to transform three former Nordson Corporation manufacturing buildings in Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio, into a data center campus. The proposal involves repurposing existing industrial structures rather than new construction on undeveloped land, distinguishing it from other data center debates across the state.
Amherst Mayor Mark Castillo confirmed that the project is in its initial stages, requiring a use variance because data centers are not currently permitted under the city's industrial zoning codes. The developer must demonstrate that there is no other viable use for the property to secure the exception. Nordson Corporation, which is relocating its jobs to Westlake, Ohio, has not yet finalized the sale of the campus, and the developer is still in the due diligence phase.
The proposed mid-sized facility is projected to demand 45 megawatts of power per month. While concerns about noise, electricity usage, and property values have been raised generally, Mayor Castillo stated that the immediate focus is solely on whether the project aligns with the existing zoning. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 29th, with a decision from the voting board anticipated within two weeks of the hearing.