Microsoft’s plan for 15 new data centers in Wisconsin town moves forward
By Hannah Hilyard
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MOUNT PLEASANT, Wisconsin (WISN) — On Wednesday, Microsoft advanced its plans to build 15 new data centers across two sites in Mount Pleasant.
Microsoft bought the land in 2024, which was already zoned for industrial use.
Mount Pleasant’s planning commission had to decide whether to pass the company’s site plans, which include the 15 data centers and nearly 9 million square feet of new buildings.
The sites are located near Microsoft’s already approved locations just off Interstate 94 and are situated across the street from each other. They are also near the former Foxconn site that never materialized.
The committee passed the site reviews unanimously with little discussion.
Alfonso Gardner, a Mount Pleasant resident, expressed excitement about the expansion, citing job opportunities and the potential economic benefits.
“They’re the third largest company in the whole world, trillions and trillions of dollars. They can bring some of that here to help. And the reason I think they’re going to do it is because Brad has a good heart. He was born and raised here,” Gardner said.
He’s referring to Wisconsin native Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft.
The company expansion plan in Racine County has faced some opposition in the past, particularly in Caledonia, but Mount Pleasant Trustee Ram Bhatia noted that the community has largely embraced the project.
“We have built the infrastructure, you know, for the FoxConn, I guess most of the concern that I believe our community had were addressed at that time,” Bhatia said.
The village anticipates the project will generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue. One of the already approved projects is expected to bring 800 jobs to the area. The discussion will now move to the full board on Monday night.
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