QTS has officially announced plans for a new data center campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Set on 612 acres in the Big Cedar Industrial Center, the campus could support up to seven data center buildings at full build-out and see up to $10 billion invested.

Ground has been broken on the first building. Timelines for delivery were not shared.

Tag Greason and David Robey, co-CEOs of QTS, said: “From day one, we believe in being a good neighbor. We chose Cedar Rapids for its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and forward-thinking community. As AI continues to transform industries, the need for secure and scalable infrastructure has never been more critical. This project reflects Iowa’s leadership in embracing the future of technology, and we’re proud to invest in a state that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and community partnership.”

QTS said the site will use waterless cooling. Utility Alliant Energy, which owns the industrial park, is supplying power to the campus.

Cedar Rapids, in Linn County, is located around 120 miles east of Des Moines. It is not traditionally a large data center market. Google is also developing a campus in the area.

News of a large data center campus in Cedar Rapids surfaced in September 2024. The City of Cedar Rapids and Alliant Energy officially confirmed QTS was behind the project earlier this year.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said: “This facility represents a powerful endorsement of Iowa, our communities, and our potential. As the largest investment in our state’s history, this data center campus is a catalyst not only for prosperity in the present, but for a better and brighter future. We’re proud to begin building that future with QTS, one of the most innovative companies in the world.”

Founded in 2003 and owned by Blackstone since 2021, QTS has dozens of data centers in operation and development across the US, UK, Netherlands, and Spain.

Tiffany O’Donnell, Mayor of Cedar Rapids, said: “QTS represents a new era for Cedar Rapids—one defined by innovation, investment, and bold possibilities. This project not only brings world-class infrastructure to our community—it is the next big chapter in our long and proud story."