Project Overview
Mortenson is general contractor for Midwest Data Center Campus 3, a hyperscale campus supporting 1,200 megawatts of planned digital infrastructure capacity. The project combines fast-track delivery, utility coordination, sustainable building strategies, and a peak workforce of 1,200–1,400 people.
Key Takeaways:
- Major Power Capacity: Supports 1,200 megawatts of planned capacity for a leading technology client.
- 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.
- Broad Scope of Services: Scope includes sitework, core and shell, fit out, power distribution, utilities, and network infrastructure.
- Good Neighbor: Our rural location provides an expansive natural buffer. Additionally, data center buildings are strategically positioned to ensure sound dissipates at the perimeter, preserving the peace and quiet of the surrounding area.
- Sustainability and Safety: Low-carbon materials and strong safety practices help reduce impact and protect workers.
- Local Economic Impact: Creates jobs, strengthens infrastructure, and supports local businesses and workers.
- Delivery Method
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Design Build / Engineer, Procure and Construct
- Additional Project Facts
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Estimated Completion Date: 2030
Number of Buildings: 6
Breaking new ground in both scale and innovation, this hyperscale campus is transforming the landscape of digital infrastructure in the area. Designed and built for one of the world’s most influential tech companies, the project was engineered to meet extraordinary demands for speed, capacity, and reliability—supporting billions of users across the globe with a planned total capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
As the region’s first hyperscale data center, this groundbreaking project demanded seamless coordination with city officials, utility partners, and a broad network of local stakeholders. At its peak, nearly 1,200 - 1,400 workers are on site—forming a unified, cross-functional team led by Mortenson as general contractor. Success on this fast-moving, technically demanding build has been fueled by a true “one team” mindset. Mortenson’s innovative campus flow strategy is accelerating delivery beyond baseline schedule expectations, enabling the client to scale operations at unprecedented speed.
In addition to its scale and technical complexity, the campus showcases Mortenson’s leadership in both sustainability and safety. By integrating green technologies—such as low-carbon concrete—we’ve taken intentional, measurable steps to reduce the project’s environmental footprint. The campus has also achieved an industry-leading safety record while working millions of hours, underscoring our commitment to an injury-free environment where everyone goes home safe.
This isn't just a data center–this is a catalyst–a tremendous catalyst for our future. Local businesses will benefit, new careers will be created, sectors from retail to housing will benefit and our talented workforce including the incredible trades people already here at work will continue to show the world what it means to get the job done right.
Did You Know?
Clean Energy Dedication: This hyperscale data center facility is dedicated to matching 100% of the power consumed by its offices and data centers with electricity, while actively investing in and strengthening the shared local energy grid.
Water Usage: By combining conservation practices with innovative technologies, this data center campus 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, 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