Microsoft to build $420 million datacenter in New Albany

In late September, The Columbus Dispatch confirmed that Microsoft plans to construct a $420 million datacenter campus on Beech Road in New Albany. 

This new project marks a significant addition to Central Ohio’s tech landscape, placing Microsoft’s campus just down the road from an existing Amazon datacenter campus.

Microsoft acquired the land for the site last year and aims to have the datacenter fully operational by 2028, with construction set to begin in July 2025.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, is enthusiastic about the addition of yet another datacenter project to the region. 

He estimates the construction will create approximately 400 jobs for building trades members affiliated with the C/COBCTC.

“Microsoft has joined countless others in the market as Central Ohio is becoming America’s Silicon Heartland,” Hager said. “Another datacenter means more opportunities for our members and contractors.”

The New Albany City Council demonstrated strong support for the project, unanimously passing a resolution on Sept. 29 to grant Microsoft a 15-year, 100 percent property tax abatement. This incentive is likely to help expedite the development process and further cement Central Ohio’s role as a burgeoning tech hub.

Microsoft released a statement but did not reveal much additional information. 

“We believe there is a great opportunity for Microsoft’s cloud services to support local business growth and innovation,” the company said in a statement to The Dispatch. “We don’t have anything definitive to share at this time but can confirm we are committed to supporting Ohio’s digital transformation with the Microsoft cloud.”

Future expansion 

The project is expected to be the first of several datacenter campuses that the tech giant plans to build in Central Ohio over the coming years. 

According to The Dispatch, the Microsoft datacenters and associated buildings will span 245,000 square feet on the 197-acre property, with room for potential future expansions.

Beyond the New Albany site, Microsoft has acquired land in other parts of Central Ohio. Last year, the company purchased land in Pataskala and Hebron, suggesting the potential for additional datacenter campuses in those areas.

Through this new investment, Central Ohio is strengthening its reputation as an essential hub in the tech sector, attracting major industry names like Microsoft, Intel and Amazon.  

As the region continues to develop, these projects will bring new jobs, technological advancements and economic growth, making Central Ohio an increasingly attractive destination for tech companies.