The city of Joliet, Ill., has approved a conditional annexation agreement covering approximately 795 acres for the proposed Joliet Technology Center, a large-scale data center campus expected to generate multi-year heavy civil, utility and vertical construction work.
The annexation agreement between the city and PowerHouse Hillwood Holding LLC becomes effective upon the developer's acquisition of the property. The site is planned for a multi-building data center campus supported by new utility infrastructure and roadway improvements.
City officials said the approval allows the project to advance into detailed engineering, permitting and phased construction under city oversight.
Multi-Year Construction Schedule
Construction is expected to occur in phases over a five- to seven-year period, with buildings delivered as demand and power availability allow, according to project materials. The buildout is projected to support between 7,000 and 10,000 locally sourced construction jobs during the construction period.
Scope of work is expected to include mass grading, earthmoving, drainage and underground utilities, followed by concrete foundations, structural steel and extensive mechanical and electrical construction typical of data center facilities.
Developers said future retrofit and expansion work is anticipated after the initial buildout, extending construction activity at the site beyond the primary development phase.
Once fully operational, the campus is expected to employ approximately 700 permanent onsite workers in facilities, security, engineering and operations, according to the city of Joliet.
Infrastructure, Public Improvements
The annexation agreement includes significant infrastructure commitments tied to the project, including utility coordination, roadway improvements and emergency services planning.
The developer also has committed up to $100 million toward improvements to Joliet's sidewalks, streets and city services.
"This annexation agreement sets clear expectations for infrastructure, services and community benefits while helping ensure the project moves forward in a responsible way," said Beth Beatty, Joliet city manager.
All development will proceed in accordance with approved zoning, engineering and operational requirements.
Utilities, Energy, Site Layout
According to project information, the campus will incorporate modern mechanical systems designed to reduce noise compared with older data center facilities. A closed-loop cooling system is planned to limit water use while supporting high-density operations.
Developers said electrical upgrades required for the project will not be passed on to existing utility ratepayers.
The site is located away from residential neighborhoods and adjacent to existing industrial and distribution uses. Natural land features will be used to buffer sound and visual impacts during and after construction.
Development Team
The Joliet Technology Center is being delivered by Hillwood and PowerHouse Data Centers. Hillwood brings experience in large master-planned developments requiring complex infrastructure coordination. PowerHouse specializes in fast-track data center construction and controls development from site acquisition through construction.
For more information, visit joliet.gov/home and joliettechnologycenter.com. CEG
