Facebook agrees to build $ 800 million data center at DeKalb

DEKALB, Ill. (WIFR) – Facebook is coming to DeKalb, and will build its 16th largest data center in the world on 505 acres on the south side of DeKalb, along Route 23 and Gurler Road in front of the ChicagoWest Business Center.

The social media giant will invest $ 800 million in a 907,000-square-foot facility, the 12th to be built in the United States, to be called the Facebook DeKalb Data Center, according to a company press release.

The DeKalb Facebook Data Center will be among the world’s most advanced, energy efficient and water efficient data center facilities, supporting approximately 100 operational jobs and hundreds of construction jobs.

“There are many variables that go into the decision process for data center locations, and DeKalb provided many compelling reasons for Facebook to bring our new data center to Illinois,” said Rachel Peterson, vice president of data center strategy. to Facebook. “We are very grateful to the City of DeKalb, the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and all of our community partners for their diligence and enthusiasm throughout this process. We are proud to join the DeKalb community and look forward to a strong relationship for years to come. ”

The 907,000-square-foot facility will be Facebook’s 12th largest data center in the US and will be backed by 100% renewable energy. It will also use 80% less water than the average data center and, once completed, will receive LEED Gold certification. As one of the largest data centers in Illinois, the DeKalb Facebook Data Center will accelerate opportunities for the community to attract skilled jobs, while increasing the competitive digital advantage of the northwest region, according to the company.

“Today we are proud to celebrate that DeKalb will be Facebook’s newest home,” said Jerry Smith, DeKalb Mayor. “It is a blessing to our community, and once it is online, this data center will be part of a network that connects people from all over the world. We hope the domino effect of Facebook’s decision will be a catalyst for more companies to see all that DeKalb and this region have to offer. ”

Facebook says DeKalb was chosen as the site for its newest data center site because of its access to renewable energy, a strong pool of talents, higher education institutions, community partners and a solid infrastructure.

Facebook is partnering with the City of DeKalb, the Kishwaukee Water Recovery District, and the Krusinski Construction Company to help design, build, and support infrastructure in the area. This includes nearly three miles of water lines, one and a half miles of sewer extension and repaving of local roads.

Hundreds of construction workers will work on the site over several years. Facebook will hire for jobs in data centers, including technicians, engineers, construction managers, facility managers, logistics professionals, and security personnel. Mortenson Construction was selected as the general contractor for the DeKalb Data Center. The site will employ approximately 1,200 buildings and shops at the top of the project.

Copyright 2020 WIFR. All rights reserved.