A Houston-based developer has announced plans for a network of three data centers in the Metro East area, with the primary facility located on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. This ambitious project, led by Cloverleaf Infrastructure, aims to create numerous construction jobs and generate long-term tax revenue. However, it has already raised concerns among local residents and officials regarding its potential impact on power, water supply, and traffic.
The proposal was shared during a planning session in Troy on January 8, 2024. Representatives from Cloverleaf outlined the project’s phased rollout, which is expected to take several years. The arrangement includes a main data center supported by two additional facilities designed to serve as backups. As first reported by the St. Louis Business Journal, one of the sites discussed is near the I-55/70 and U.S. 40 interchange, a strategic location for potential tenants in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Developer’s Vision and Community Concerns
During the meeting, Jeff Lake, principal development manager for Cloverleaf, emphasized the importance of power reliability, stating, “Power is king.” He explained that the selection of the site was driven by proximity to high-capacity substations. Construction could begin as early as 2027, with the initial data center projected to be operational by 2028.
Local utility leaders and residents expressed their worries about the anticipated energy and water requirements of the new campus. Cloverleaf representatives assured attendees that infrastructure upgrades would be coordinated with utility partners. Notably, Ameren, a regional utility, has recently announced initiatives focused on expanding capacity to accommodate growing energy demands.
Residents at the session also raised issues related to noise, increased truck traffic, and the implications of a large industrial facility being situated near a church and school. City officials clarified that the January meeting was purely informational, with no zoning decisions made and no formal applications submitted. As the project is still in the conceptual phase, Cloverleaf will need to present detailed plans before any approvals can be granted.
Next Steps for the Proposed Data Centers
Cloverleaf’s track record of developing large data center campuses in various locations, including a project in Port Washington, Wisconsin, has left some communities cautious. Local media, including the Troy Times Tribune, have documented concerns surrounding the environmental impact and traffic implications of such developments.
As it stands, the proposed data centers remain speculative. Local authorities have indicated that they will conduct environmental reviews, traffic studies, and seek public input once a formal application is submitted. The community will be closely monitoring future developments, and updates are expected from both local news outlets and the St. Louis Business Journal as the project evolves.