Is another data center coming to Alabama? It seems likely, as a company with ties to Nebius Inc., which already operates several across the United States, is buying over 79 acres in Birmingham.
According to the Birmingham Business Journal, the area of land totals 79.33 noncontiguous acres.
It includes the former Regions Lakeshore Operations Center, vacant adjoining lots and an undeveloped parcel previously owned by The UAB Research Foundation.
BBJ tracked a series of property record sales before they were all sold to Alabama ADC Holdings LLC for $90 million on September 30.
Earlier this year, Meta announced a new 715,000-square-foot data center would be built off Interstate 65, across from the Hyundai automotive assembly plant. It will join the company's other Alabama data center campus, located in Huntsville.
"Each day, millions of people around the world use Meta's products, and the next-generation Alabama data center in Montgomery will soon help keep the company's popular platforms running smoothly," Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement. "Meta is putting down roots in another great location in Sweet Home Alabama, and we're committed to helping the company grow and prosper here."
SEE: Meta to open data center in Montgomery
The addresses purchased include 201, 250 and 260 Milan Parkway and 2500 Venice Road, which is only a half a mile from a 200-acre subdivision that is being built.
A Bessemer data center project has been the subject of tremendous community backlash. The $14.9 billion project would be one of the largest data centers in the South, sitting on 675 acres off Rock Mountain Lake Road.
Last month, following an outcry from the community against it, the city council voted to send the project back to the planning and zoning board. ABC 33/40 reported, "Residents from both Bessemer and Jefferson County filled the city hall, with some attendees relegated to an overflow room. Many held signs reading, "Vote no on the proposed data center in Bessemer."
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