Meta has officially brought its data center in Mesa, Arizona, online. Initially announced in 2021 with a budget of $800 million, the facility has since undergone significant expansions and investments, reflecting the company’s growing focus on artificial intelligence and advanced infrastructure.
Project Timeline and Expansion Plans
Breaking Ground in 2021
Meta began construction on the Mesa data center in 2021. Originally scheduled to go live in 2023, the facility’s launch was delayed due to a redesign aimed at optimizing the site for AI workloads. By 2022, Meta announced an expanded scope for the project.
Facility Size and Layout
The Mesa data center spans over 2.5 million square feet (232,300 square meters) across five buildings. Currently, two of these buildings are operational, with more to follow as construction progresses.
Construction Milestones and Sustainability Efforts
Materials and Workforce
The construction of the Mesa facility involved:
- Erecting 20,000 tons of steel, including structural steel and joists.
- Pouring 375,000 cubic yards of concrete.
At its peak, the site hosted an average of 2,000 skilled trade workers, supporting both local employment and economic activity.
Waste Diversion
Meta reported that 78 percent of construction waste—nearly 28,474 tons—was diverted to recycling centers, minimizing landfill contributions.
Economic and Community Impact
Operational Jobs and Investment
The Mesa data center currently supports over 200 operational jobs. Once fully built out, Meta’s investment in the Arizona facility will exceed $1 billion, solidifying its position as a significant contributor to the state’s tech industry.
Education and STEM Support
Meta has committed to strengthening the local community through educational initiatives, including:
- A $225,000 grant for the Mesa College Promise program to support residents pursuing STEM certificates and degrees.
- A $75,000 donation to establish a multimedia center at Desert Ridge Junior High in the Gilbert Public Schools District.
Water Conservation Initiatives
The company has also pledged to support 12 regional water conservation and restoration projects, aligning with Arizona’s focus on sustainable resource management.
Broader Context: Meta’s Data Center Strategy
Meta’s Mesa project is part of its larger data center strategy. The company plans to invest $60-65 billion in data center development and related capital expenditures this year. Additionally, Meta is working on a 2GW data center in Louisiana, underscoring its commitment to building infrastructure for AI and future technologies.
“Arizona is the premier destination for high-tech companies like Meta, and we look forward to supporting their success in Mesa,” said Allison Grigg, SVP of Economic Development at the Arizona Commerce Authority.
FAQs
1. Why was the Mesa data center’s launch delayed?
The delay was due to a redesign aimed at optimizing the facility for artificial intelligence workloads.
2. How many jobs does the Mesa data center support?
Currently, the facility supports over 200 operational jobs, with additional employment during peak construction phases.
3. What sustainability measures were implemented during construction?
Meta diverted 78 percent of construction waste to recycling centers, preventing nearly 28,474 tons of waste from reaching landfills.
4. What is the size of the Mesa data center?
The data center spans over 2.5 million square feet across five buildings, with two currently operational.
5. How is Meta supporting education in Mesa?
Meta has provided a $225,000 grant for the Mesa College Promise program and donated $75,000 for a multimedia center at a local junior high school.