Google is looking to expand its data center footprint outside Charlotte, North Carolina.
First reported by the Charlotte Observer, Google has applied for and been granted tax incentives as part of data center expansion plans.
Google’s proposed expansion is on about 60 acres in Lenoir, adjacent to its data center campus at 708 Lynhaven Drive. The scope of the data center has not been shared.
“We are exploring the potential expansion of our existing data center campus in Caldwell County,” Google said in a statement to the Observer. “While we do not have a confirmed timeline for development for the site, we want to ensure we have the option to further grow should our business demand it.”
Google first announced plans to develop a data center in Caldwell County back in 2007. At the time, it said it would invest $1.2 billion in the 337,000 square foot (31,310 sqm) facility over two phases, which was expanded around 2013.
“We are excited to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Google,” Randy Church, chair of the Caldwell County board of commissioners, said in an announcement.
“For the past 17 years, Google has been an outstanding community partner, contributing to hundreds of jobs and equipping Caldwell County students with the skills needed to succeed in a tech-driven economy. Projects of this scale are made possible through collaboration between the public and private sectors, which sets our community apart.”
For a $600 million investment as part of Project Cardinal, the city and the county last week approved grants of 50 percent real property and 85 percent personal property over a 20-year period.
Google was filing for the tax break through its Tapaha Dynamics, LLC affiliate. Staff had recommended approval.
The project comprises two parcels: A 38.26-acre parcel located at 914 Virginia Street and a 21.63-acre parcel located at 919 Fairview Drive. The company has five years to make the investment, which will create 30 full-time jobs.
The City of Lenoir will also provide additional water capacity as needed for the expansion, with Google voluntarily contributing $6.8m to ensure adequate water flow at the campus.
The city also approved the closure of a segment of Virginia Street between 815 and 1021 to facilitate this expansion of Google’s campus. Google owns the majority of the road frontage in this area and requested the closure for operational and security purposes.
“We have been honored to have Google in our region for the past 17 years, and we’re excited to see their business continue to grow,” said City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons.
“Google has done so much for Lenoir and Caldwell County over the years. They have been very supportive of the local schools and many nonprofits, and I believe this project will open up new opportunities for their business and for investment in our community.”
Managed services provider Centrilogic also operates a data center in Lenior totaling 23,500 sq ft.
