Chicago Construction News
Global data center operator CyrusOne has broken ground on an Auroa data center campus, marking what it describes as a significant investment for both the company and the state. This $350 million project promises to solidify Illinois’ position as a key player in the data center industry while providing substantial benefits for local construction workers and the economy.
Situated on a 32-acre site near Interstate 88 on Bilter Road in Kendall County, the new campus will consist of two interconnected buildings totaling 446,000 sq. ft. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for data services in the Chicago metro area, already recognized as the third-largest data center market in the U.S.
“We are excited to enhance our capacity and capabilities in Chicagoland,” CyrusOne CEO Eric Schwartz said in a statement. “This investment underscores our commitment to innovation and meeting our customers’ evolving needs in this critical market.”
While specific architectural details are still forthcoming, the project will feature key design elements, including:
- Telecommunications Infrastructure: Essential for managing extensive data transfers and ensuring optimal connectivity.
- Backup Generators: These will provide continuous operational support, crucial for maintaining the 24/7 uptime expected of data centers.
- Economic Benefits for the Local Workforce
The groundbreaking ceremony highlighted the project’s significant impact on local employment. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker emphasized the creation of hundreds of construction jobs over the projected two-year building phase.
Key points include:
Construction jobs: Hundreds of jobs will be generated during the construction phase, expected to be completed by early 2026.
Permanent employment: The completed facility will offer more than 20 full-time positions focused on data management and operations.
A commitment to unionized labor is evident through collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), ensuring a skilled workforce throughout the construction phase, the news release says.
Supporting financial trading operations
The campus is set to serve as a vital hub for financial trading operations, partnering with the CME Group and Google. Notable features include:
- Two buildings: One covering 411,000 sq. ft. and another at 150,000 sq. ft.
- 350-foot Towers: Designed to accommodate critical technology infrastructure for financial systems.
This new center will enhance the capacity for financial data operations, relocating services from a nearby facility to streamline and expand data management capabilities.
Long-term community impact
“Beyond immediate job creation, the long-term economic benefits of the CyrusOne campus are projected to be substantial,” the statement says. “The facility is expected to generate $1.1 million in property taxes and $1 million in utility taxes annually, contributing a total of $20 million in tax revenue over the next decade. These funds will be reinvested into local infrastructure, schools, and essential services.”
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin noted that the project exemplifies how adaptive development can effectively utilize local land, shifting from retail and hospitality plans to data center use, reflecting the region’s technological growth.
ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones said the project aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainable and reliable infrastructure, underscoring Illinois’ focus on fostering long-term growth through technology-driven initiatives.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2026.
“With this project, Illinois will host four of the largest data center campuses in the U.S., reinforcing the state’s competitive edge in the global market,” the statement says.
