CyrusOne, a global data center operator, has officially broken ground on a major construction project in Aurora, Illinois. This data center campus marks a significant investment for both the company and the state, promising to solidify Illinois' standing as a key player in the data center industry.
The development is not only important for technology growth but also offers significant benefits for construction workers and the local economy. Below, we explore the details of the project, emphasizing the aspects that are most relevant to workers in the construction field.
The CyrusOne Data Center Campus in Aurora, Illinois
This new campus represents one of CyrusOne’s most significant undertakings, both in terms of scale and potential economic impact. The 32-acre site is located just off Interstate 88 on Bilter Road in Kendall County, Aurora, Illinois. The project consists of two interconnected buildings that will total 446,000 square feet.
Key Design Features of the Data Center
While specific architectural details are yet to be fully disclosed, a few critical elements of the project have already been highlighted:
- Telecommunications Infrastructure: The development will include telecommunications towers which are critical for handling vast data transfers and maintaining optimal connectivity for the data center.
- Backup Generators: The facility will house backup generators to ensure operational continuity in case of power failures, a vital feature for data centers that need 24/7 uptime.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the campus is designed to enhance CyrusOne’s presence in the Chicago metro area, which is already home to several of the company’s facilities. This development will also accommodate the rapidly growing data demands of the area, fueled by technological partnerships and financial systems operations.
“With Chicagoland being the third-largest data center market nationally and demand continuing surging, this expansion aligns perfectly with our strategic plan to enhance our capacity and capabilities. This investment reinforces our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our customer base in this critical market.”
CEO at CyrusOne | Eric Schwartz
Economic and Workforce Benefits for Construction Workers
One of the most significant outcomes of this project is the creation of hundreds of construction jobs over the two-year building phase. At the groundbreaking event, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of the project for local workers, noting that the facility will support high-growth industries while providing valuable employment opportunities for unionized labor.
- Construction Jobs: The project will create hundreds of construction jobs, with work expected to be completed by early 2026.
- Permanent Jobs: Upon completion, the data center will provide more than 20 full-time permanent positions, primarily focused on data management and operations.
A key part of the labor strategy is the inclusion of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), ensuring that the construction phase will be completed with a skilled, well-trained workforce.
Two-Building Design for Financial Trading Systems
The campus will serve as a significant hub for financial trading operations, thanks to a partnership between CyrusOne, CME Group (formerly the Chicago Mercantile Exchange), and Google. The two buildings, one covering 411,000 square feet and the other 150,000 square feet, will be equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure to support financial trading systems for CME customers.
- Building Sizes: One building at 411,000 square feet, and the other at 150,000 square feet
- Towers: The project will include two 350-foot towers, designed to house key technology infrastructure for CME’s financial trading systems.
The new data center will house financial data systems that are currently operating out of another CyrusOne facility located nearby. This new setup is intended to expand capacity and ensure future scalability, making Aurora a central hub for high-tech financial data management.
Community and Economic Impact
In addition to the immediate job creation during construction, the long-term economic benefits of this project are substantial. The new data center is expected to generate $1.1 million in property taxes annually and $1 million in utility taxes, contributing a total of $20 million in tax revenue over the next decade. These funds will be reinvested into the local community, supporting public infrastructure, schools, and other essential services.
Aurora’s Mayor Richard Irvin pointed out that this project is an excellent example of how changing development patterns can create better use of local land. The site was originally intended for retail and hospitality projects, but the shift toward data center use is now seen as a more compatible option given the region’s infrastructure and growing tech industry.
ComEd’s President and CEO Gil Quiniones noted that the data center project aligns with the company’s commitment to creating sustainable and reliable infrastructure. This partnership highlights the state’s emphasis on creating long-term growth through energy-efficient and technology-driven development.
Looking Ahead
Scheduled for completion in early 2026, this $350 Million data center project is a key milestone in CyrusOne’s expansion strategy. Illinois is now home to four of the largest data center campuses in the U.S., with this new facility further boosting the state’s competitive edge in the global data center market.
As demand for secure and reliable data storage grows, this project will play a critical role in positioning Illinois as a technology hub for years to come. For the local construction workforce, it represents a significant opportunity for employment, skills development, and participation in one of the state’s largest high-tech infrastructure projects.
In Summary:
- CyrusOne Data Center Campus: A single project featuring two buildings, totaling 446,000 sq. ft. with telecommunications towers and backup generators
- Construction Jobs: Hundreds of unionized jobs expected, with completion by early 2026
- Economic Impact: $350 million investment, contributing $20 million in taxes over the next decade
- Partnerships: CME Group, Google, ComEd, and IBEW
CyrusOne’s project in Aurora is more than just another data center; it represents a commitment to innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in Illinois. This development not only underscores the region’s growing importance in the global data industry but also offers a lasting legacy for the local workforce and community.
