* 11/16/25 - New Data Center Moving Forward In Near South Side + link to website with info and maps re data centers throughout the world (including Illinois)

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Buzz Sawyer

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Nov 17, 2025, 7:47:29 PMNov 17

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(1) from article:

Work on the center is expected to begin before the end of the year,

with Power Construction leading the effort. Early user access is

anticipated in December 2026, according to the project’s website, found here.

(2) a website with info re datacenters is at link below:

https://www.datacenters.com/

this claims to have info for about 8,100 data centers throughout the world

info re 140 data centers in northern Illinois near Chicago is at link below:

https://www.datacenters.com/locations?query=chicago

the link above has a list of data centers and a map

a high level version of the Chicago region map is below:

https://chicagoyimby.com/2025/11/new-data-center-moving-forward-in-near-south-side.html

New Data Center Moving Forward In Near South Side

Rendering of 2538 South Wabash Avenue by Gensler

By: Ian Achong 7:45 am on November 16, 2025

Plans have been revealed for a massive new data center at 2538 South Wabash Avenue within the Near South Side. Bound by the Stevenson Expressway to the north and the CTA Green Line tracks to the west, the project would rehabilitate an existing commercial structure and replace the adjacent vacant lot.

Site map of 2538 South Wabash Avenue via Google Maps

Site plan of 2538 South Wabash Avenue by Gensler

Dubbed HydraVault, the new AI-centered data center is being developed by a small team of the same name, with Gensler serving as the project architect. It is worth noting that the site was previously earmarked for a large e-sports arena, which was approved by the city in 2022 but never moved forward; our coverage on that proposal can be found here.

Rendering of 2538 South Wabash Avenue by Gensler

Rendering of 2538 South Wabash Avenue by Gensler

The multi-story structure will have a power supply of 20 megawatts and deliver up to 200 kilowatts per rack, using a hybrid liquid-and-air cooling system that operates on a closed loop. The team also promises high levels of security and optional connectivity to the city’s primary fiber interconnects, as well as the massive data center nearby at 350 Cermak.

Elevations of 2538 South Wabash Avenue by Gensler

The now fully approved and partially permitted facility is the latest in a string of data centers proposed across the Great Lakes region. These projects have generated controversy among locals due to water usage and electrical demand, with developments such as Chicago’s Quantum Campus also coming under fire.

Work on the center is expected to begin before the end of the year, with Power Construction leading the effort. Early user access is anticipated in December 2026, according to the project’s website, found here.