With all this space, it's been interesting to read about data centers moving into the area. Today we read about a new data center being built at 840 South Canal:
A real estate firm has purchased the Northern Trust building at 840 South Canal street in Chicago, and plans to spend $200 million to convert it into a data center. The former check processing plant in Chicago's south loop was purchased by the Red Sea Group late last month for $35 million from Northern Trust Corp.
It's an interesting trend as we remember reading last year that a new data center was being built at Cermak and Michigan. This is also close to another, older data center at 350 east Cermak that accordingly to this articleis the world's largest data center (see picture).
Most of these data centers are popping up to serve trading companies, which are increasingly relying on fast technology to get a competitive advantage for their business.
The question remains, is this good for our neighborhood? Most of the data centers seem to be popping up in relatively desolate areas (or at least what are currently desolate areas), so one could argue that functioning buildings are better then empty buildings or vacant lots. But it's not like these buildings provide much for the neighborhood in terms of employees eating at restaurants or shopping in the area.
We're mixed on the topic, so what do you think?
(Image from Data Center Knowledge)
