Switch’s plan for new $772 million data center will boost investment in Bartow

Originally Posted By John Druckenmiller on locationofchoice.com on 11/03/23

A $772 million data center identified as a “north campus” for an even larger complex in Douglas County is planned near LakePoint in southern Bartow County.

Switch KEEP 2.0 Atlanta North Campus, as planned, would boost the announced investment in Bartow to nearly $8.5 billion in roughly nine months, following the battery plant off U.S. 411 and solar panel complex off I-75.

The company has identified 126 acres south of the intersection of Old Alabama Road and Bates Road, stretching to the Paulding County line. It is due west of LakePoint and adjoins the Carters Grove area.

The scope of the project is just as interesting. Rather than square footage, the description lists the size as 1,620 feet in length — that’s almost five-and-a-half football fields.

A development of regional impact statement filed with the state shows the complex will start with “a single data center” accompanied by “associated driveways, detention ponds, and an electrical substation.” More aptly put, it will be home to an incredible number of computers providing backend support to Internet services including streaming.

As planned, the initial phase would be finished by summer 2026 with a total buildout projected for 2046. Annual tax contributions are estimated at $15 million.