A 907,000SF DATA CENTER FACILITY

Facebook has just announced it plans to build a new $800 million data center in DeKalb, Illinois, which will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

The 907,000 square foot data center facility is expected to support about 100 long term jobs, and hundreds of temporary construction jobs. The campus is sited on a 505-acre property located south of Route 88, having a capacity to accommodate five buildings in total, the first two buildings on the campus are expected to be completed by 2022.

“There are many variables that enter into the decision process for data center locations, and DeKalb provided many compelling reasons for Facebook to bring our newest data center to Illinois,” said Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Data Center Strategy for Facebook.

“We’re so thankful to the City of DeKalb, the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, the Illinois Department of Commerce & 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 planned Illinois facility will be Facebook’s 12th data center in the US, and will run on 100% renewable energy which will be provided via power purchase agreements. Targeting LEED Gold certification upon completion, the facility is also designed to use 80% less water than the average data center.

“Today, we’re proud to celebrate that DeKalb will be Facebook’s newest home,” said Jerry Smith, Mayor of DeKalb.

“It’s a boon to our community, and once online, this data center will be part of a network that connects people all over the world. We hope that the ripple effect of Facebook’s decision will be a catalyst for more companies to see all that DeKalb and this region have to offer.”

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