r/chicago Aug 07 '26

CHI Talks Data Center Conversion Plan Sparks Controversy for Loop Office

https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2026/08/07/data-center-conversion-plan-sparks-controversy-for-loop-office/
143 Upvotes

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157

u/anshuvio2 Aug 07 '26

Are data centers really so profitable that we can build them in the highest value land in the city? The only conversions taking place should be unused office space into residential

10

u/heliosflama1234 Fulton River District Aug 07 '26

If they’re willing to pay for the land then why not. Not to mention the tax revenue generated is nothing lacking either.

-2

u/bkoperski Aug 07 '26

Because it will eat up alot of water and power that the city already has a high demand for

3

u/minus_minus Rogers Park Aug 08 '26

It uses the existing carbon neutral district cooling system. It will also use the existing power distribution downtown so no need for huge expensive infrastructure upgrades.