The Project Gravity Data Center in Archbald is moving forward, with final land development plans to be submitted soon. This announcement comes from Erik Draaisma, executive vice president of business development at Corscale, the current landowner.
“We have great confidence in the developability of this site,” Draaisma stated at a recent Digital Infrastructure Panel held at Luzerne County Community College’s Scranton campus.
The panel included Corscale’s senior project director Daniel Brewster and Charul Seoni, senior vice president of data center operations, who discussed the importance of developing a skilled workforce for the digital infrastructure sector. They emphasized the need for apprenticeships, education, and industry collaboration.
Warren Faust, president of the NEPA Building Trades, commented, “This isn’t a one-of-us problem at this table. This is an all-of-us problem. And if we don’t collectively get together and all of us solve it, we’re going to be missing out on probably the single most important generational growth that our commonwealth has ever seen.”
Alongside Faust were college leaders such as John Yudichak of Luzerne County Community College, Jill Murray of Lackawanna College, and Bill Burke from Johnson College. Murray highlighted the opportunity data centers present for the Pennsylvania economy, saying, “We have a tremendous opportunity here to do something really special in terms of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania workforce on the defense side, on the technology side.”
About Corscale
In an interview with WVIA News, Draaisma explained that Corscale currently operates three data centers in Northern Virginia and has two more under construction. Project Gravity is one of six active pre-development projects nationwide.
“The way this works is we are owner, operator, and developer, and then we will have a hyperscale tenant who then puts their equipment inside the data center that we operate on their behalf,” Draaisma said.
Project Gravity’s land, initially owned by Western Hospitality Partners, is now under Corscale’s control since late 2025. A property sale from Archbald 25 Developer LLC to US Gravity Purchaser LLC, associated with Affinius Capital, underpins the investment partnership.
Draaisma mentioned that they are in talks with a hyperscale tenant, which will influence the design, including water usage plans that favor closed-loop cooling systems known for their efficiency. Furthermore, Corscale plans to use fewer diesel backup generators than permitted.
Regulatory Compliance and Community Impact
Corscale intends to adhere strictly to Archbald’s zoning rules, with Draaisma emphasizing the company’s reputation for compliance: “We have a big reputation to protect. So staying within those ordinances is how we do business.”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s GRID Standards were also discussed, which necessitate compliance with new infrastructure standards. Draaisma noted that Corscale had already planned to meet these standards.
Governor Shapiro’s executive order, prompted by concerns from communities like Archbald, led to the removal of Project Gravity from the PA Permit Fast Track Program. Project Gravity is one of six data center campuses planned for the borough.
Community Concerns
Project Gravity has faced controversy due to its proximity to homes, with Draaisma noting that the design will mitigate impact by distancing operations from residential areas.
He acknowledged the emotional nature of the debate: “It’s something new, and it’s something different, and it’s something that’s become easy to dislike,” he stated, emphasizing the potential economic benefits, including job creation and enhanced tax revenues.
Community members have expressed concerns about potential adverse effects on quality of life and the environment. In response, Corscale is considering community benefit offers, such as supporting local emergency services and workforce development.
“Pennsylvania is so well positioned to capitalize on this. This is why we went big on Pennsylvania two years ago, as we started looking for opportunities and sites … but it is this big empty train sitting at the station waiting for everyone to hop on, or it’s going to go,” Draaisma concluded.
