Demand for Data Centers Increases in Minnesota’s Tech Corridor

As technology adoption continues to grow at exponential rates, so does the increased demand for data centers. With more people working remotely, and the rise of online school as an option, the demand on existing data centers has forced companies to expand rapidly. Beyond the big players like Google and Amazon, companies are expanding their own individual data centers and smaller businesses are stepping into the space. All would benefit from a location in the Minnesota Technology Corridor. 

Site selectors and executives are starting to take notice of the Minnesota Technology Corridor and the region’s available sites. Dan Peterson, a CBRE broker said, “We have received inquiries from national representatives of data center end users and service providers looking for a larger site in the Minneapolis market. The Forest Lake site we represent is a good fit for their criteria.” 

Fortune 500 Companies Should Base their Data Centers in the MN Tech Corridor

Our region is home to sixteen Fortune 500 companies. From United Health Group to Wells Fargo and Ecolab, regional companies have increased needs to store and protect their data. Doing so close to their headquarters offers strategic advantages for CTOs and their teams. 

Reasons to Build Data Centers in Minnesota’s Technology Corridor 

The Minnesota Technology Corridor is minutes from the Twin Cities, one of the fastest growing areas of the country. Within the Cities, educational institutions are graduating tech talent at a rapid pace, earning Forester Research’s Top Tech Talent designation. Simultaneously, land within the Corridor is affordable and abundant - allowing companies to stretch out and grow. When combined with low energy rates offered by multiple providers, the Corridor has the ideal combination of talent, real estate and affordable energy. 

Community leaders came together to create the Minnesota Technology Corridor so there is support for business expansions at all levels of government, and among the public. Fast permitting times, incentives and project coordination support are all available for companies looking to invest in the Corridor. 

Available Data Center Sites

There are several attractive data center sites within the Minnesota Technology Corridor. 

In Forest Lake, for example, there is 123 acres of publicly owned land ready to be developed. Studies have already been done to demonstrate the sites viability for future data centers. Dan Peterson said of the Forest Lake site, “The close proximity to redundant and abundant fiber and power are attractive factors.” 

The Clearwater Creek Business Park in Centerville is another attractive option. 

This 65 Acre Technology Business Park opportunity has 40,000-792,000 SF new construction industrial buildings available for lease or 10, 15 and 40 acre parcels for sale. The largest site assemblage is 55 acres, and the smallest site available is 10 acres. The site offers great access to I-35E, full interchange access within a mile of site and utilities are available to all parcels. 

There is also 100 acres for sale in Columbus, Minnesota. This shovel-ready site has a completed Phase 1 Environmental report, and all the utilities are on site. 

“As data growth and technology development continue to proliferate all elements of society, more data centers large and small will be needed. Facilities to support more digital infrastructure will be needed to serve our region’s population and growing industries and the Minnesota Technology Corridor has the sites to meet this demand,” said Peterson. 

Contact us for more information and to find your next data center site in the Minnesota Technology Corridor.