Major Data Center Development Announced Near Coosa High School
A new data center is planned on a 114-acre plot next to Coosa High School in Floyd County, Georgia. The project, which has been greenlit by the Floyd County Board of Education, represents the second major data center initiative in the area.
Land Sale Finalized in November
On November 26, 2024, the Floyd County Board of Education approved the sale of the land through the county’s development authority. While the specifics of the project remain undisclosed, the development authority is optimistic about the potential for additional data center investments in the region.
Ownership and Development Team
The land’s purchase was facilitated by the living trust of William Darryl Edwards. The trust is represented by three developers: Darryl Edwards, Darren Hardin, and Jonathan Ward. Although the buyer’s identity as a corporate entity has not been revealed, the team behind the acquisition has raised anticipation for further announcements regarding the project.
Proximity to Microsoft’s Data Center Investment
The planned data center is located just a few miles from Microsoft’s ongoing development near Huffaker Road. In October 2023, Microsoft acquired 347 acres in the area for a $1 billion data center project, further solidifying Floyd County’s position as an emerging data center hub. Microsoft’s investment already contributes to the local economy through property and school taxes tied to the increased land value.
Rome: A Strategic Location for Data Centers
Rome’s strategic location in northeast Georgia, near the Alabama border and approximately 70 miles from Atlanta, makes it an attractive site for data center developments. Atlanta, a prominent data center hub, hosts major players such as Digital Realty, CoreSite, Switch, Google, Flexential, and H5 Data Centers, with significant projects concentrated in Lithia Springs and Douglasville. Nearby, QTS is building a massive 1.4GW data center campus in Fayetteville, further showcasing Georgia’s growing importance in the global data center market.
Georgia’s Cloud Region and Microsoft’s Commitment
In 2021, Microsoft unveiled plans to establish the East US 3 cloud region in Georgia, a move that aligns with the company’s ongoing investments in the state. This initiative underscores the region’s infrastructure readiness and its appeal to technology giants seeking scalable solutions for cloud computing.
FAQ: What You Need to Know
Who is behind the new data center in Floyd County?
The project’s land was purchased by the living trust of William Darryl Edwards, represented by developers Darryl Edwards, Darren Hardin, and Jonathan Ward. While the specific company behind the development has not been named, further announcements are anticipated.
Why is Floyd County becoming a data center hub?
Floyd County offers strategic proximity to Atlanta’s data center ecosystem, lower land costs, and access to reliable infrastructure. These factors make it attractive for data center developments.
How does this project compare to Microsoft’s investment?
The new data center project is smaller in scale compared to Microsoft’s $1 billion investment on 347 acres. However, its proximity to Microsoft’s development signals growing interest in the region for similar projects.
What role does the Floyd County Development Authority play?
The Floyd County Development Authority facilitates land sales and supports projects that drive economic growth, such as data center developments.
What are the potential benefits for the local community?
Data centers can contribute to local economies through property taxes, infrastructure improvements, and job creation, benefiting schools and public services.
