Microsoft Revives Data Center Plans in Cherry Valley

Microsoft's data center plans have resurfaced in Cherry Valley, Illinois, after a two-year hiatus. The company initially won village approval in late 2024 for six one-story data center buildings and two substations on over 300 acres of land, but the permit expired by the end of 2025 due to lack of construction progress.

The renewed plan now calls for three data center buildings and two substations, with a smaller footprint. Village Administrator Jim Claeyssen explained that Microsoft's industry has evolved since the initial proposal, requiring less space. The new design will minimize water usage and include advanced cooling approaches to reduce environmental impact.

Municipal officials have expressed concerns about potential effects on property values, noise, air pollution, energy consumption, and water usage. However, two representatives from Ringland-Johnson Construction spoke in favor of the project, emphasizing job creation both during construction and upon completion. Microsoft estimates that its data centers will employ 100 to 250 full-time workers, starting with around 50 when the first facility becomes operational.

The company has addressed concerns about environmental impacts, promising to pay for necessary upgrades to the village's water system. Microsoft's water usage is expected to be approximately 0.2% of the village's capacity and around 0.7% to 1% of its typical summer daily water production.