Google data center secures Van Buren Township approval, with startup expected in late 2027
Van Buren Township’s planning commission approved Google’s proposed 1-gigawatt data center near Detroit Metro Airport by a 5-1 vote, allowing construction to proceed toward an expected late-2027 power-up. The project has secured electricity and wetland permits, but nearby residents oppose it over construction dust, noise, vibration and quality-of-life impacts, and a recall effort is targeting the township board.
The Van Buren Township Planning Commission approved the final site plan for Google’s proposed data center near Detroit Metro Airport in a 5-1 vote. The six-building, 1-gigawatt facility, known as Project Cannoli, will occupy about 150 acres and is expected to begin drawing power by December 2027. Panattoni is the development company, and Walbridge is slated to lead construction.
Google has secured a 20-year electricity contract with DTE Energy approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, along with wetland permits from state regulators. The facility could use up to 3.6 million gallons of water per day from the Great Lakes Water Authority and will receive local tax incentives in exchange for infrastructure payments and job commitments. Supporters cited the project’s investment and mitigation measures, while residents criticized ongoing construction impacts, including dust, noise and shaking homes. Opposition has prompted a recall effort against the township board as Michigan lawmakers consider broader data center restrictions.