Several mega-scale, 1,600-acre data center campuses are in various stages of planning and construction across the U.S., driven primarily by massive AI infrastructure demands.
Because these massive developments require massive natural resource commitments—often utilizing millions of gallons of water daily and gigawatts of power—they are frequently met with stiff community and environmental pushback.
The most prominent 1,600-acre projects include:
- Forsyth, Georgia: Atlanta-based developer Trammell Crow Co. secured 1,600 acres in Monroe County for the Forsyth Technology Campus. Expected to feature up to 21 warehouse-style buildings and 12 million square feet of space, the city council approved the project 5-1 despite vocal public opposition.
- Sulfur Springs, Texas: MSB Global is building the Matrix Campus on 1,600 acres, which is planned to house 30 AI data centers requiring 3 Gigawatts of power. The $18.7 billion project has triggered local lawsuits and intense resident pushback.
- Bessemer, Alabama: “Project Marvel” was expanded in updated plans to a 1,600-acre hyperscale footprint. The city rezoned hundreds of acres for the project, though the site has drawn lawsuits and resistance from local residents.
- Nassau County, Florida: Energy developer NextNRG secured a long-term lease option on 1,600 acres near the Jacksonville International Airport. However, the proposal has faced strong opposition over water and grid capacity, with the Nassau County Commission seeking moratoriums to halt data center development.