Project Overview
Midwest Data Center Campus 2 is a confidential greenfield data center supporting a global technology client’s digital infrastructure growth. Mortenson delivered the first campus building in under 18 months, managing site development, building construction, power, connectivity, and offsite improvements.
Key Takeaways:
- Fast-Track Delivery: The campus moved from greenfield development to operational readiness in under 18 months
- Economic Engine: In addition to generating millions of dollars in property taxes annually, every single direct data center position creates 6 additional local jobs including maintenance, security, the construction trades and more
- Good Neighbor: The facility utilizes its expansive rural setting to provide a natural buffer, with structures strategically positioned to ensure acoustic dissipation at the site perimeter. Furthermore, the data center owner matches 100% of its energy consumption, guaranteeing that no electricity costs are shifted to the local community
- Large Workforce Coordination: More than 700 peak on-site workers required strong planning, sequencing, and field coordination
- Full-Campus Scope: Mortenson managed site preparation, core and shell construction, fit out, power, connectivity, and offsite improvements
- Delivery Method
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Design Build / Engineer, Procure and Construct
- Additional Project Facts
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Estimated Completion Date: 2029
Number of Buildings: 6
This hyperscale data center campus—designed for one of the world’s most influential technology companies—serves as a cornerstone of their global digital infrastructure strategy. Anchored in the Midwest and spanning hundreds of thousands of square feet, the facility is a model of scale, speed, and technical sophistication.
At peak, more than 700 workers are active on-site, with Mortenson leading as the general contractor. What truly sets this project apart is its extraordinary speed—transforming a greenfield site into a fully operational hyperscale facility in less than 18 months, a pace virtually unmatched in the industry.
This project wasn't just about meeting a deadline or hitting a target–it was about fundamentally challenging and redefining the very limits of what's possible in our industry. From the unprecedented speed of deployment to the massive scale of our operations, it's a powerful testament to the grit, relentless ingenuity, and the will of this team to achieve the impossible.
Did You Know?
Clean Energy Dedication: This hyperscale data center facility is dedicated to matching 100% of the power it uses, , while actively investing in and strengthening the shared local energy grid.
Water Usage: By combining conservation practices with innovative technologies, the data center owner is dedicated to replenishing more water than it consumes by 2030.
Community Partnership with a Lasting Impact
Beyond digital innovation, this project is designed to be a deeply rooted community partner. Mortenson and its partners are committed to creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and investing directly in the people and places that host this landmark facility.
Local Investment & Engagement
- Direct Support for Community Priorities: Active financial and volunteer support for local literacy centers, K-12 school programs, blood drives, animal shelters, and regional charity centers who invest in local community members
- Grassroots Collaboration: Building transparent, long-term relationships with community organizations, local leaders, and nonprofit partners to ensure the project remains a good neighbor.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The economic benefits extend far beyond the campus perimeter. In addition to generating millions of dollars in property taxes annually, on average every single direct data center position creates six additional jobs across the local community in fields including maintenance, security, the construction trades and more.
The result is a project built not just to power the modern digital world, but to foster a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous local community for generations to come.
Mortenson’s scope of work includes:
- Site Grading and Preparation: Grade and prep sites for construction, including earthwork, drainage, and erosion control
- Offsite Improvements: Bring utilities and infrastructure to the site, build roads, and prep for development
- Modular and Prefab Solutions: Offsite build of electrical, modular, and MEP systems to speed up delivery
- Data Center Core and Shell Construction: Construct the structural shell, including foundation, walls, roof, and basic utilities
- Data Center Fit Out: Complete interiors with power, cooling, IT, security, and MEP systems
- Site Electrical Distribution: Build medium voltage systems, ductbanks, and grounding with utility coordination
- Substation Construction: Procure and build substations and transmission systems to meet power needs
- Network ISP and OSP: Install fiber, ductbanks, and cabling for full connectivity