DC BLOX Data Center

DC BLOX presented a $2 billion data center project, the Thunderbird Commerce Center, to Eastside residents of Indianapolis during a community forum hosted by Democratic City-County Councilor Andy Nielson. The proposed development, located on the former Ford Visteon site, outlines a multi-phase campus with three buildings, including an initial 80,000-square-foot facility, intended for regional network communications. Chief Development Officer Mark Masi detailed the plan, which also involves a request to reduce required parking from 420 to 100 spaces to create more green space. The project, projected to cost $800 million for construction with $320 million allocated for labor, garnered support from labor representatives like John Hooker of the Central Indiana Building and Construction Trade Council, who highlighted its potential for job creation. However, residents voiced significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding the facility's water consumption and the potential for "forever chemicals" despite DC BLOX's pledge for a closed-loop water system. Resident Daisy Cook expressed skepticism, stating, "In a closed circuit, the water is still polluted." Noise pollution was also a concern, though DC BLOX promised to maintain levels at 65 decibels. Due to the site's existing I3 – Heavy Industrial zoning, the project does not require a full City-Council vote; instead, its approval rests with the Metropolitan Development Commission. The public will have another opportunity to provide input at a formal hearing before the Commission on June 11.