Compass Datacenters begins development of Illinois hyperscale data center campus

On June 13, Compass Datacenters celebrated the commencement of work on its new data center project in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Partnered with the Village of Hoffman Estates and ComEd, Compass Datacenters is transforming a disused seven-building, 200-acre site—formerly a Sears headquarters—into a hyperscale data center campus. The company ultimately plans to build five hyperscale data centers on the site.

Compass CEO Chris Crosby said in a press release, “At Compass, we go slow before we go fast. We’re taking a methodical approach to demolition and doing all we can to minimize waste. It will take over a year to complete this work, setting the stage for Compass to do what it does best—building sustainably and building to last.”

In keeping with its claims of sustainability, Compass reports that asphalt, concrete, and stone blocks from the existing site will be repurposed, and AI applications will be applied to help optimize material sourcing and reduce emissions.

Compass closed on the site in September 2023 and is now preparing for structural demolition, which will occur over the summer. Construction of the new buildings is scheduled to begin next year.

William McLeod, mayor of Hoffman Estates, said in the same press release, “The redevelopment of the former Sears headquarters into a data center campus begins a new chapter for this high-profile property and continues the technology diversification of our tax base.”

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