Big data center coming to De Kalb

If Boone County had wind turbines as De Kalb County does—would it had been in the running?

Facebook commits to building $800M data center in DeKalb

DeKalb selected to host Facebook’s 16th data center, bringing hundreds of construction jobs to northern Illinois

The City of DeKalb will build Facebook's 16th data center.(Facebook)

By Danielle Tumilowicz

Published: Jun. 30, 2020 at 7:27 AM CDT|Updated: 9 hours ago

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

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

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

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

“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 says DeKalb was chosen as the site for its newest data center site due to its access to renewable energy, a strong talent pool, higher education institutions, community partners and strong infrastructure.

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

Hundreds of construction workers will work onsite for several years. Facebook will be hiring for data center jobs including technicians, engineers, construction management, facility managers, logistics professionals, and security personnel. Mortenson Construction was selected as the general contractor for the DeKalb Data Center. The site will employ an estimated 1,200 construction and trades at the project’s peak.

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DeKalb leaders weigh in on Facebook’s new data center

June 30, 202010:33 pmCassandra BretlNEWS,TOP NEWS STORIES,TOP STORIES

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DEKALB, Ill. (WREX) — Facebook is coming to DeKalb. That's where the social media giant is building a multi-million dollar data center.

Facebook currently has 12 data centers in the entire county and 16 in the entire world.

What is now a construction site in DeKalb will soon be Facebook's newest data center.

"DeKalb has for a long time been searching for a new identity. Facebook is giving us that opportunity," said DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas.

Facebook says the $800 million project will improve connections with communities across the globe.

"A data center itself is the back bone of our infrastructure. It makes sure that when you pick up your device, whether it's a laptop or whether it's a phone, that you're able to use Facebook or Messenger or WhatsApp or Instagram and reach your friends and family around the world," said Facebook Director of Environment Energy and Site Selection Bobby Hollis.

The technology site will rely 100 percent on renewable energy and use 80 percent less water than the other 15 sites. Something Hollis says was highly important when choosing the location.

"We come in and make sure that we're using the least amount of energy possible, the least amount of water possible and then after that is when we make sure we actually source renewable energy for the energy that we do use," said Hollis.

Community leaders spoke on a video Facebook posted that the center will open doors now and in the future.

"We're going to have more property tax revenue. We're going to have more growth in population. We're going to have a resulting increase in sales taxes," said DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith.

"So construction will have upwards of 1,000 jobs at any point in time and it will stretch out over several years. This is a real commitment to the community for the long term and once we actually get up and running we'll have over 100 jobs for people that will be part of the Facebook family long term: engineers, operations folks" said Hollis.

Planting roots in DeKalb, hoping to grow innovation.

Hollis says the contractor for the data center is Mortenson. Construction can start immediately.

Cassandra Bretl

Above is from:  https://wrex.com/2020/06/30/dekalb-leaders-weigh-in-on-facebooks-new-data-center/