Developer behind rejected Naperville data center exploring former BP site
After its previous data center plan was rejected, developer Karis is exploring a new 168-acre site in Naperville, Illinois, for a potential data center and advanced manufacturing hub. City officials and community sentiment, which was negative towards the data center component, are being taken into consideration as Karis evaluates the contaminated former BP campus.
Karis, a developer whose data center proposal in Naperville was previously rejected, is now exploring a new 168-acre site, the former BP campus (INEOS property) at 150 W. Warrenville Road, for a potential data center and advanced manufacturing hub.
Mayor Scott Wehrli, City Manager Doug Krieger, and representatives from Naperville Development Partnership and JLL (the listing company) were briefed on Karis' concept in a May meeting. Karis spokesperson Patrick Skarr confirmed the exploration but emphasized no finalized plan or property ownership.
While city officials expressed interest in advanced manufacturing for the site, Mayor Wehrli noted that the data center component was viewed less favorably due to "general negative community sentiment," a factor that led to the rejection of the earlier project. The proposed data center would be similar in size to the previously rejected Nokia site proposal.
The site, contaminated from previous use by the U.S. Army and BP Amoco, would require remediation and demolition of existing buildings. Karis is considering the city's feedback before deciding whether to proceed, acknowledging that any data center proposal in the area will face high scrutiny due to past opposition.