DeKalb selected to host Facebook’s latest data center

$800 million infrastructure investment promises to bring hundreds of construction and tech jobs to the area

information provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

DEKALB, Ill. (June 30, 2020) – As part of their commitment to invest in America, Facebook’s newest worldwide data center will be built in DeKalb, Illinois, bringing an investment of more than $800 million. The Facebook DeKalb Data Center will be among the most advanced, energy- and water-efficient data center facilities in the world, supporting an estimated 100 operational jobs and hundreds of construction jobs.

“There are many variables that enter into the decision process for data center locations, and DeKalb provided many compelling reasons for Facebook to bring our newest data center to Illinois,” said Rachel Peterson, Vice President of Data Center Strategy for Facebook.

This 907,000-square-foot facility, the 12th Facebook data center in the U.S., will be supported by 100% renewable energy, will use 80% less water than the average data center, and, once completed, will be LEED Gold certified. As one of the largest data centers in Illinois, the Facebook DeKalb Data Center will accelerate opportunities for the community to attract skilled jobs, while increasing the northwest region’s competitive digital edge.

“Today, we’re proud to celebrate that DeKalb will be Facebook’s newest home,” said Jerry Smith, Mayor of DeKalb. “It’s a boon to our community, and once online, this data center will be part of a network that connects people all over the world. We hope that the ripple effect of Facebook’s decision will be a catalyst for more companies to see all that DeKalb and this region have to offer.”

DeKalb was chosen due to its access to renewable energy, a strong talent pool, higher education institutions, community partners, and strong infrastructure. DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith and Governor J.B. Pritzker joined Facebook for an announcement video in lieu of a traditional groundbreaking, due to COVID-19 limitations.

Facebook is partnering with the City of DeKalb, the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, and Krusinski Construction Company to help design, build, and provide support for infrastructure in the area. This includes nearly three miles of water lines, one and a half miles of sewer extension, and repaving local roads.

Hundreds of construction workers will work onsite for several years. Facebook will be hiring for data center jobs including technicians, engineers, construction management, facility managers, logistics professionals, and security personnel. Mortenson Construction was selected as the general contractor for the DeKalb Data Center. The site will employ an estimated 1,200 construction and trades at the project’s peak.

For more information, follow the DeKalb Data Center page on Facebook: facebook.com/DeKalbDataCenter.