In a significant shift driven by the surge in demand for digital infrastructure, NorthPoint Development has received authorization to transform its Keystone Trade Center into a 2 million sq ft data center campus. Positioned outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the campus will occupy a substantial portion of the 1,850-acre site originally designated for distribution center use. This transformation alters the previous plan, replacing four distribution hubs with ten state-of-the-art data center buildings, demonstrating NorthPoint’s ability to adeptly pivot toward burgeoning industry needs.
Strategic Amendments and Partnerships
The recent approval by the Falls Township board of supervisors to amend the original development plan marks a pivotal point for NorthPoint’s vision. By converting 1.35 million sq ft initially earmarked for distribution facilities into data center use, NorthPoint signifies its commitment to adapting to the digital age. The company has disclosed that these changes are driven by a new agreement with an undisclosed user, spotlighting the increasing demand for data center capabilities. Additionally, another building within Phase II will also be converted into a data center following discussions with an end-user, further embedding NorthPoint’s digital infrastructure footprint.
These shifts are an integral part of redeveloping the former US Steel site in Bucks County, breathing new life into the extensive property. NorthPoint had acquired the Keystone Trade Center for $160 million and has steadily developed and leased phases I and II, establishing a strong foundation for its phased digital growth. The strategic moves undertaken align with NorthPoint’s larger ambitions of dominating the data center market, particularly in response to evolving technological requirements.
Expanding Data Center Footprint
Since taking ownership of the Keystone Trade Center, NorthPoint has consistently expanded its data center portfolio. With a vast terrain available, the site is part of a broader strategy to develop up to 15 million sq ft of logistics and industrial buildings, reflecting flexibility in utilization to meet market demands. The Kansas City-based real estate firm now boasts 37 powered land sites across 17 states, showcasing its national reach and making headway into new and existing markets.
One of NorthPoint’s notable developments within its data center expansion strategy is Project Hazlenut, an ambitious undertaking located in Hazle Township. Spanning 1,283 acres, this 15-building campus is set to commence construction in Q4 2026. This project underscores NorthPoint’s intent to leverage significant potential capacity and reinforces its status as a formidable player in the data center industry. Such comprehensive projects underline NorthPoint’s ability to scale operations and address the increasingly complex digital needs of modern businesses and consumers.
A Trend Toward Digital Transformation
NorthPoint Development has been authorized to significantly shift gears by transforming its Keystone Trade Center into a 2 million square foot data center campus. This change is driven by the surging demand for digital infrastructure. Located outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the campus will cover a large part of the 1,850-acre site that was initially planned for distribution centers. Instead of the original four distribution hubs, the new plan includes ten advanced data center buildings, highlighting NorthPoint’s capacity to swiftly adapt to the evolving needs of the industry and showcasing its ability to pivot toward booming market demands. The decision marks a notable deviation from their initial strategy, emphasizing the company’s commitment to meeting the rising requirements for digital infrastructure. As data becomes increasingly vital, NorthPoint’s move to establish a cutting-edge data center campus underlines its proactive approach to catering to the demands of the digital age.