Data center renderings show plans for full campus near Nashville Zoo
Renderings reveal a much larger data center campus than initially believed by DC BLOX near the Nashville Zoo, consisting of two buildings and a substation. Public opposition is growing, leading to a forthcoming public hearing on legislation to amend city code regarding data center development. Zoo officials express concern over the project's proximity to endangered animals.
New renderings have revealed expanded plans for a controversial data center project by DC BLOX located near the Nashville Zoo and Grassmere Park. Initially thought to be a single 69,000 square foot building, the plans now show a full campus with two data center buildings, an electrical substation, and a security checkpoint. Zoo President Rick Schwarz voiced concerns, stating the combined 50-megawatt campus, capable of powering 50,000 homes, is much larger than anticipated and is located within hundreds of yards of rare and endangered animals, potentially impacting critical genetic research operations.
Public opposition to the project has intensified, with hundreds of thousands signing petitions both locally and nationally. Metro officials are simultaneously considering new legislation to amend city code, aiming to provide more thoughtful placement of data centers by defining uses, definitions, and conditions. However, officials indicated that this new legislation might not directly impact the DC BLOX project near the zoo, as the code still needs to be defined for data centers, which are expected to remain in the area. Advocates are planning to attend a public hearing on Thursday to push for rules that could prevent similar projects from moving forward.