North Carolina’s largest data center is going up in west Charlotte despite other proposals getting more fanfare

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — While communities like Mooresville and Statesville have become wrapped up in debates over approving the construction of data centers, the state’s largest has already been green lit for the western edge of Charlotte. 

Preliminary sketches show the site along Moores Chapel Road between Interstate 85 and Wilkinson Blvd. could hold a 3 million-square-foot data facility. The plot of land was acquired and is being developed by Austin, Texas-based Digital Realty. 

Charlotte’s City Council approved the rezoning of 156 acres back in May, setting up the transformation of a wooded area into a potentially massive computing hub. Trees have been cleared on the site, It is unknown when formal construction would commence. 

Just across the street, bar owner Tony Simonds is unsure what to make of the plans, adding he has seen a lot of changes to the area in recent years, with not much of an impact to his foot traffic 

“I get very few of them,” he told Queen City News’ Andy Weber. 

What it could mean for his business may be unclear, but he acknowledged more people in the area could still mean more patrons. Tony said he is ready to serve them, on one condition. 

“As long as you’re going to be acting like you got good sense, come in, you’re more than welcome.”