Buckeye, Arizona, is set to become a major hub for tech innovation with the development of a $20 billion data center park. On August 28, Tract, a developer of master-planned data center parks, announced the acquisition of a 2,069-acre parcel for $136 million, aiming to build up to 20 million square feet of data center space across as many as 40 facilities. This ambitious project is poised to be one of the largest data center parks in the U.S.
Transforming Buckeye’s Future
Originally planned as a residential community, the site has been reimagined to align with Buckeye’s long-term vision for economic growth. According to Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, this shift is a win for sustainability and job creation:
“This project reduces water demand, preserves natural spaces, and creates hundreds of high-paying jobs.”
The park will also complement the expansion of the Buckeye Municipal Airport, reinforcing its role as an economic engine for the region.
Tract was founded in 2022 by former executives of Level 3 Communications, a Colorado-based company that helped build the Internet. It owns or is in contract to buy 23,000 acres of U.S. land.
“Ten years ago a company would go out and buy 15 to 20 acres and build a data center,” Graham Williams, chief investment officer of Tract, told the WSJ. “Now we’re talking about 500- to 1,000-acre campuses.”
Key Benefits of the Project:
- Jobs and Infrastructure: The development will create over 360 high-wage jobs and include investments in regional water facilities, public safety, and street infrastructure.
- Sustainability: With significantly lower water and traffic demands compared to residential use, the project supports Buckeye’s environmental goals.
- Flexibility: While focused on data centers, parts of the parcel are reserved for commercial and retail development, ensuring diverse economic opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
As Buckeye positions itself as a tech corridor, this data center park exemplifies forward-thinking urban planning and economic development. With its strategic location and infrastructure investments, the project cements Buckeye’s status as a thriving, sustainable community prepared for the demands of tomorrow’s technology-driven world.
