Chicago Construction News staff writer
Compass Datacenters and Power Construction celebrated the topping-off of Building 1 at its suburban campus this week, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the former Sears headquarters site into a state-of-the-art hyperscale data center campus.
“Congratulations to the men and women who strapped on their boots every morning to build this building with their hands, their skills, and their pride,” said Jim Miller, Executive Superintendent at Power Construction. “This structure stands because of you. You’ve worked through early mornings, long days, tough weather, and countless challenges, and you’ve done it with professionalism and heart. Thank you.”
Compass plans to build five hyperscale data centers on the nearly 200-acre site, generating 1,000 local construction jobs and representing an estimated $10 billion in long-term investment once operational.
The site’s redevelopment is a new chapter for the seven-building campus, which had been vacant following Sears’ 2018 bankruptcy and the pandemic-driven decline in demand for office space. Since acquiring the site in September 2023, Compass has worked with local business and nonprofit groups to repurpose equipment and furniture, while first responders used the buildings for training. Structural demolition is scheduled to begin this summer, with full-scale construction kicking off next year.
“We are very pleased to welcome Compass Datacenters to Hoffman Estates,” said Mayor William McLeod. “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.
“Although still preliminary, the investment by Compass will be in the billions of dollars and will have positive effects for our community for years to come.”
The redevelopment will repurpose concrete, stone, and asphalt from the existing site, using local materials in new construction to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Compass employs modular designs for its data centers, allowing prefabricated components to be efficiently assembled onsite—speeding construction while enhancing safety for crews.
“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,” said Compass CEO Chris Crosby. “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.”
