Microsoft is set to soon begin construction of its North Carolina data center project at 1,350-acre mega site at Person County. The technology firm acquired land at Person County Mega Park in Woodsdale Township in November 2024. Moreover, they paid $26.85 million for the land and no plans for the site were shared at the time. However, Person County announced this week that Microsoft intended to commence permitting process for data center development.

The permitting is expected to commence in the course of this year. This comes at a time when Microsoft is at the early stages of development and will share detailed plans as they become available. Kyle Puryear, Person County board of commissioners chairman, said: “Person County is proud to welcome Microsoft as a valued corporate and community partner. We are also excited to learn more about their plans for data center development in our county.”

He also noted they are confident that their presence will “drive economic growth and enhance community well-being through strategic investment, job creation, and responsible stewardship of resources.” North Carolina is shaping up to be a major hub in the data center market, but still abit far from being a key competitors in the data center market

Outlook on the Microsoft Data Center Project in North Carolina

To address the major issues that communities often worry about data centers, Microsoft has noted that it will not impose its burdens to the community. The county said that the company has promised to find its own way to ensure the project does not increase electricity bills. They also aim to make sure it minimizes water use while replenishing more than consumed and create jobs for local residents.

It will also contribute to the county’s tax base and support the community through investments in local information technology training and non-profits. Scott McKinney, Person County economic development chairman, added:

“We are eager to support Microsoft’s strategic long-term investment in Person County.” Microsoft is developing several data center sites in North Carolina. In November 2022, the company announced plans to invest at least $1 billion on four data centers in North Carolina’s Catawba County. The company broke ground on three sites in the county in 2024.

Project Overview

• Project: Hyperscale Data Center Development.
• Developer: Microsoft
• Location: Person County Mega Park, Woodsdale Township, North Carolina.
• Site Size: 1,350 acres
• Land Acquisition Cost: $26.85 million.
• Permitting Process: Expected to start this year.
• Development Stage: Early planning.

Project Stakeholders

Owner / Developer

• Microsoft

Local Government / Public Authorities

• Person County Board of Commissioners
• Person County Economic Development leadership

Community Initiatives by Microsoft.

• No raise in electricity payments.
• Use less water, and replace more than you use.
• Local job creation
• County tax base contribution.

Extended North Carolina Expansion.

• 2022: Pledged to invest $1 billion in four Catawba County data centers.
• 2024: Broke ground on three sites in Catawba County.