In a move that signals long-term strategic planning, Meta has acquired additional land in Rosemount, Minnesota, potentially setting the stage for future data center developments. The purchase, arranged through the subsidiary Jimnist LLC, involved acquiring parcels zoned as employment districts for $70 million. This plot, located at Blaine Avenue East and 145th Street, reflects Meta’s proactive approach to securing necessary land for anticipated business needs, though the company has stated there are no immediate plans for construction. This acquisition echoes an alternative urban area-wide review adopted by the Rosemount City Council, which contemplates a substantial 2.3 million square foot data center or industrial development for the site. Despite these considerations, no formal applications have been received for the planned unit development, according to the city’s senior planner.
Minnesota’s Data Center Market Gains Momentum
Meta’s interest in Rosemount is highlighted by the development of a 715,000 square foot data center, signaling an $800 million investment. This project aligns with Minnesota’s strategic push to attract data centers with expanded tax incentives proposed last year. The region’s growing appeal as a data center hub is evident with notable companies like DataBank, Cologix, T5, and LightEdge clustering around Minneapolis, while Compass and Stream have operations in Chaska and Shakopee. Near Chaska, CloudHQ plans a sprawling campus, while Microsoft and AWS are setting up data centers in Becker, underscoring Minnesota’s rising status in the data center market, despite Google’s halted project in Becker in 2022.
Meta’s acquisition of land in Minnesota goes beyond local development, signaling a broader trend of expanding data center infrastructure driven by Minnesota’s supportive tax policies. By securing land strategically, Meta shows its commitment to long-term growth and adaptability. The influx of major tech companies investing in the state marks Minnesota’s growing significance in the tech and data sectors, positioning it as a key region for future advancements.