A transformative development is on the horizon for Port Washington, Wisconsin, as OpenAI and Oracle team up for a groundbreaking data center campus. Confirmed by Vantage Data Centers in a recent statement, this project is set to redefine the digital landscape in the Midwest.
Initially, Vantage Data Centers had planned an $8 billion investment in the region. However, with OpenAI and Oracle now firmly on board, the investment figure has soared to over $15 billion. The development will feature four data center buildings, marking a significant expansion for the companies involved.
OpenAI, known for its AI innovation like ChatGPT, and Oracle, a leader in software and cloud computing, have chosen Port Washington as a key site for their ambitious Stargate program. This initiative, part of a $500 billion campaign for national AI expansion, was unveiled by former President Donald Trump in January.
Peter Hoeschele, OpenAI’s vice president of industrial compute, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “Expanding Stargate to Wisconsin is another major step toward building the infrastructure that will help ensure everyone can benefit from AI.”
The Port Washington campus, dubbed “Lighthouse,” is the only Midwest site in the Stargate program, joining locations in Texas and New Mexico. As per a July news update from OpenAI, this initiative involves developing an additional 4.5 gigawatts of power capacity.
Construction of the data center buildings is anticipated to commence shortly, with completion aimed for 2028. Vantage Data Centers estimates that the project could generate over 4,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions.
Dana Adams, president of North America for Vantage Data Centers, commented on the strategic investment, saying it “reflects the area’s strong foundation for digital growth to support sustainable AI innovation at scale.” She noted the growing importance of the upper Midwest as a critical market for data centers.
While the Port Washington Common Council approved the development agreement in August, some local residents have voiced concerns during public meetings. In response to the project’s power demands, American Transmission Co. is proposing a $1.4 billion transmission line project.
Looking ahead, the Port Washington Common Council is expected to make a decision on the tax incremental district for the development in November.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated.
