Social media giant Facebook has set its sights on northern Illinois for a new data center. The Menlo Park, California-based tech firm announced that it will build an $800 million data center in DeKalb, Illinois.
The 907,000-square-foot facility will be the company’s 12th data center constructed in the U.S. and its first in Illinois. The development will bring an estimated 100 jobs to the community, located approximately 50 miles west of Chicago. The project is scheduled for completion in 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.”
Located on 505 acres at the intersection of Gurler and Peace Roads, the cutting-edge data center will run entirely on renewable energy and use up to 80 percent less water than other data centers. When completed, the facility will be LEED Gold certified.
“This $800 million investment will support jobs and create opportunities for local suppliers, contractors and businesses,” said Governor J.B. Pritzker. “Illinois intends to be a national leader in data center growth. Our state is the best state in the nation for this investment and I’m grateful to Facebook for selecting the DeKalb community as its long-term partner.”
