Joliet Approves Illinois' Largest 795-Acre AI Data Center Amid Mixed Reactions
Joliet City Council has approved plans for a massive 795-acre data centre, set to become the largest in Illinois. The decision came after months of debate, with residents voicing both support and strong opposition during a public hearing. Only one council member voted against the project, which promises thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenue.
The proposed site sits in a rural field beside the Chicagoland Speedway, at the corner of Rowell and Bernhard roads. Once completed, the centre will house 24 buildings filled with servers and storage systems for artificial intelligence. Developers expect the facility to be operational by 2030.
The project's backer, HW Technology Park Development LLC, estimates it will create between 7,000 and 10,000 construction jobs. An additional 700 permanent positions would follow. Joliet officials also anticipate a $2 billion boost in tax revenue over time. The developer has pledged to invest $100 million to improve local services. Reactions to the vote were mixed. Some residents celebrated the economic opportunities, while others left the meeting in tears. Concerns had been raised about potential health impacts and rising utility costs. Despite the opposition, the council moved forward with the plan, marking a major step in the city's development.
The data centre will bring significant investment and employment to Joliet. Construction is expected to start in the coming years, with full operations beginning in 2030. The project's scale and focus on AI infrastructure reflect broader trends in tech industry growth.
