Plan Commission approves data center at 2800 S. Ashland

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the proposed data center at 2800 S. Ashland. Planned by data center operator QTS, the project site is located on the west side of S. Ashland Ave along the south branch of the Chicago River. Formerly home to the Sun-Times printing plant, QTS acquired the site in 2014 and redeveloped it with a data center.

Designed by SNHA, the new development will add a three-story data center to the north of the current one. Measuring approximately 446,000 square feet, the building will have office space in the section of the building looking towards S. Ashland Ave with the data halls behind. 

The building will be built of a precast concrete structure with metal paneling and glazing on the office portion. Perforated metal screening will obscure the view of the generators along the north side of the building along Canalport Riverwalk Park.

With Chicago Plan Commission approval secured, the $300 million development can move forward and seek final approvals from the Committee on Zoning and full City Council.