Microsoft is planning to invest $1 billion in developing three data center campuses in Central Ohio.

Shared by One Columbus, the economic development organization for Columbus, Ohio, Microsoft will spread the investment between New Albany, Heath, and Hebron in Licking and Franklin counties.

$420 million has already been earmarked for the New Albany data center campus, with the City Council approving a 15-year tax abatement for Microsoft earlier this month.

That data center will span 245,000 sq ft (22,800 sqm) on a 200-acre site, located between Beech Road and the Licking-Franklin county line, north of Fitzwilliam Lane N.W.

Construction is set to begin in July 2025, with completion slated for the end of 2027.

The location of the Heath and Hebron data centers has not yet been specified, but Microsoft has previously purchased 227 acres along Thornwood Drive in Heath, and 223 acres on High Street in Hebron.

In July, it was reported that the Heath development will likely begin in the summer of 2025, with the first five data center buildings completed by early 2028.

Construction at the Hebron site is slated to begin in 2026, with plans for six data center buildings at the site.

The Heath and Hebron campuses are still pending approvals.

“We are excited to work with state, regional, and local partners to bring new data center campuses to the Columbus region,” said Bowen Wallace, Microsoft CVP of data centers, Americas Region.

“The Columbus Region’s skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and strategic location make it ideal for this project. Many Ohio businesses and government entities use the Microsoft cloud as the platform for their business operations. These data center developments will help us continue to effectively serve our Ohio customers.”

During the construction phases of the three campuses, Microsoft expects to generate around 400 construction jobs yearly.

“The City of New Albany is thrilled that Microsoft will be establishing operations in our community,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding.

“Data centers are key assets to the New Albany community, allowing us to diversify the types of companies within our business portfolio. This investment not only reinforces New Albany’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology but also represents a significant step forward in our continued efforts to attract world-class companies to our community.”

Microsoft was previously also looking to develop a data center in Perry Township, but earlier this month decided not to pursue the project.