Data center proposed in Kewanee
Nowak Securities is planning a small retail data center in a former Walworth building at 324 N. Main St. in Kewanee. The company says its water-free cooling system and quiet operations will address concerns covered by recently approved city regulations, although Mayor Gary Moore warned that the project will face significant community pushback.
Pawel Nowak of Nowak Securities told the Kewanee City Council that his company plans to develop a small retail data center in part of a former Walworth building at 324 N. Main St. The remaining space could be converted into retail operations. Nowak said the facility would support banks, schools, hospitals and other customers.
The announcement follows the City Council's approval of data center regulations designed to address concerns about water consumption, noise and pollution. Nowak said the planned facility would use a cooling system that does not consume water and would operate at roughly conversational noise levels. Mayor Gary Moore said residents had expressed largely negative views during the ordinance discussions and warned that the proposal would face substantial pushback.