Data center would add significantly to tax digest, but residents have concerns
Raeden plans to renovate an existing 88,000-square-foot data center in Dunwoody, Georgia, with upgrades costing up to $500 million and the potential to generate more than $300,000 in annual city tax revenue. Nearby residents oppose or question the project because of demolition noise, construction notice, water use, power demand and neighborhood impacts, while Raeden says the facility will use closed-loop cooling and remain within the existing building footprint.
Raeden is purchasing and renovating the existing data center at 40 Perimeter Center East in Dunwoody. The project will initially operate at its approved 10-megawatt capacity, with plans to expand to 43 megawatts after upgrades to the building, chillers, generators and power infrastructure. City officials estimate the completed facility could add more than $300,000 annually to Dunwoody’s tax digest, while Raeden expects the work to cost as much as $500 million. Alembic Technologies has committed to a 10-year lease as the facility’s sole tenant.
Residents near the 12-acre site told the Dunwoody City Council that demolition of a deteriorating parking deck caused loud blasts, disturbed wildlife and violated restricted construction hours, and some questioned whether proper permits had been obtained. City records show demolition and interior construction permits were issued Sept. 15. Raeden co-founder and President Jason Green said concerns about water and power use are overstated because the center will use a closed-loop cooling system and will not expand the building’s footprint. The company also plans a sound study, meetings with neighbors and a walking path around the site.