News Summary
Microsoft has confirmed plans to explore a new data center project in Caledonia, named ‘Project Nova.’ The proposed site spans 245 acres at Douglas Avenue and County Line Road. Despite extensive discussions with local officials, details on investment and job creation remain vague, leading to community concerns about environmental impact and noise pollution. Microsoft intends to collaborate with We Energies to address potential energy bill increases. An informational meeting has been scheduled for residents to learn more about the project and voice their opinions.
Caledonia – Microsoft is in the early stages of exploring a new data center development in the Village of Caledonia, a project confirmed by the company on Tuesday evening. The proposed site, which spans 245 acres, is located at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and County Line Road, near the Milwaukee County border. The land intended for this development is currently owned by We Energies.
The project, referred to as “Project Nova” by the engineering firm representing Microsoft, involves extensive discussions with village officials. The planning and development process for the data center is projected to take several years, as it is still in its infancy.
Conceptual plans shared with local officials indicate that the facility will consist of three data center buildings, an electrical substation, and stormwater retention areas. However, Microsoft has not provided specific details on the total investment required, anticipated water and electricity consumption, or the number of jobs that could be created as a result of the project.
This announcement follows Microsoft’s recent expansions in southeastern Wisconsin, which include a $4 billion investment in a new data center in nearby Mount Pleasant, the ongoing development of a $3.3 billion facility in Mount Pleasant, and the purchase of additional land in Mount Pleasant and 240 acres in Kenosha for potential future projects.
In response to potential community concerns, Microsoft has expressed its intention to work with We Energies to mitigate energy bill increases for residents in Caledonia stemming from the new data center. The company has also stated that they do not expect to require a large volume of Lake Michigan water for the proposed facility.
Despite the company’s advancements, local residents have raised several concerns about the Caledonia project. Among the issues voiced are the environmental impact of the data center, noise pollution, and land use strategies. To promote their opposition, an online petition has been circulated among community members, and several residents have already expressed their feelings at public meetings regarding the project.
It is important to note that different from the situation in Mount Pleasant, Microsoft will need to request a rezoning in Caledonia before the development can progress further. An informational meeting about the project has been scheduled for Wednesday, allowing residents to learn more and voice their opinions.
As Microsoft continues to advance its operations in Wisconsin, the future of Project Nova remains uncertain as community discussions unfold and the planning process moves forward.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: Microsoft Exploring Data Center Project in Caledonia
- Wikipedia: Microsoft
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Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
