Northpoint Development, a Kansas City-based commercial real estate company, has unveiled plans for a massive 1,283-acre data center campus in Hazle Township, Pennsylvania. Known as Project Hazelnut, this ambitious development could transform the region into a critical hub for data infrastructure. Located in the Humboldt North Industrial Park, the campus is set to feature 15 state-of-the-art buildings, spanning multiple phases of construction.
What Is Project Hazelnut?
Project Hazelnut is Northpoint’s latest endeavor, a data center campus that would be developed in three phases over the next few years. The first phase, which includes five buildings, is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The second phase, covering three additional buildings, is slated to start in the first quarter of 2028, with the final phase (seven buildings) kicking off in the second quarter of 2029.
Key Features of the Data Center Campus
Location and Size
The proposed campus spans an expansive 1,283 acres, situated within Hazle Township’s 3,000-acre Humboldt North Industrial Park. This prime location offers ample space for the development of a large-scale data center facility designed to cater to growing technology infrastructure needs.
Phase-wise Development
The campus will be built in three stages:
- Phase 1: Five buildings, beginning in Q4 2026
- Phase 2: Three additional buildings, starting in Q1 2028
- Phase 3: Seven final buildings, commencing in Q2 2029
Northpoint Development has not disclosed specific technical details about the buildings, but they are expected to meet high standards for data security, efficiency, and sustainability.
Why Is This Project Important?
Boosting Local Economy and Employment
Local leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential to transform the region’s economy. The development is expected to create numerous jobs, not just in tech, but also in related sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. Mary Malone, President & CEO of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that Project Hazelnut will bring tech jobs, as well as professionals in healthcare and education.
Dr. Anthony Grigoli, chairman of the Township Supervisors Board, added that Hazle Township is eager to support the project, with local and state officials working in collaboration to ensure its success.
Expanding Data Center Presence in Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania is not yet a dominant player in the data center market, Project Hazelnut aims to place the state on the map. This follows Amazon’s acquisition of Talen Energy’s data center facility located next to the Susquehanna nuclear power station. The addition of Northpoint’s massive campus will further position Pennsylvania as a key player in the rapidly growing data center industry.
What Role Does Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order Play?
Governor Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order 2024-04, signed earlier in 2024, was designed to streamline permitting processes for critical infrastructure projects like Project Hazelnut. The Pennsylvania (PA) Permit Fast Track Program, introduced as part of the executive order, aims to reduce delays and accelerate the development of projects that are deemed essential for the state’s economic growth.
Northpoint’s Data Center Expansion Strategy
Northpoint is expanding its data center operations across the country, with 37 powered land sites in 17 states. Collectively, these sites cover more than 15,600 acres, with a potential capacity of 4.8 gigawatts (GW). The company’s growing portfolio reflects the increasing demand for data center space, driven by cloud computing, edge computing, and the broader tech sector.
How Does Project Hazelnut Compare to Amazon’s Expansion?
Luzerne County’s growing role in the data center industry is further emphasized by Amazon’s recent moves in the area. Amazon’s purchase of the Talen Energy facility, situated next to the Susquehanna nuclear power station, has sparked additional development. Amazon has proposed its own 15-building campus on the site, though legal challenges regarding grid connections remain unresolved.
The presence of two major data center campuses in the region could significantly impact the local energy landscape, as both facilities are expected to require vast amounts of power. Northpoint’s Project Hazelnut could benefit from similar nuclear power sources or renewable energy solutions, ensuring reliability and sustainability.
FAQ: Project Hazelnut and Its Impact
What is the timeline for Project Hazelnut’s construction?
Construction will occur in three phases, with the first five buildings slated to begin in Q4 2026. The subsequent phases will start in 2028 and 2029.
How many buildings will be built at the Hazle Township site?
Northpoint plans to build 15 buildings across the 1,283-acre site in total, spread over three construction phases.
What economic benefits will Project Hazelnut bring to the region?
The project is expected to create numerous tech-related jobs as well as opportunities in healthcare, education, and retail. It will also attract further investments to the area.
Will Project Hazelnut affect local energy infrastructure?
Yes, like other large data center developments, the project will require significant energy resources. Its location near nuclear power facilities may provide a stable and sustainable energy supply.
How does Northpoint’s proposal compare to other developments in Pennsylvania?
Northpoint’s Project Hazelnut positions Pennsylvania as a future leader in the data center market, complementing Amazon’s ongoing expansion efforts in the region.
