Nov. 21, 2024 8:15p
(WGTD)---Members of the Kenosha Plan Commission had nothing but praise Thursday evening for a 243-acre data center to be built west of I-94 and along STH 142.
A representative of the engineering firm that’s working with the as-yet unnamed operator presented preliminary plans.
They call for construction of four large buildings of about four-and-a-half acres apiece over the next seven years.
No firm job creation numbers were revealed, but project manager Danielle Tatro estimated that each building would employe a workforce of “in the 10s and 20s.”
Kenosha Mayor Dave Bogdala, who chairs the commission, called the project a “game changer” for the city and region.
The site currently sits in the Town of Paris but will be transferred to the city under a boundary agreement. Town Chairman John Holloway was present for the meeting and said he’s encouraged by how the city is handling the development.
The large-scale data center campus would be the second for the area. Microsoft is building one a few miles to the northeast in Mt. Pleasant.
Tatro—of the engineering firm—said the identity of the operator will be revealed once the land sale is closed.
She described the company as being experienced in the construction and operation of data centers. Tatro also said the owner is mindful of drainage concerns and will preserve as much of the site’s natural vegetation as possible.
The commission unanimously recommended approval of a zoning change for the project.
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