18th September 2025 – Microsoft’s planned $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant is projected to consume up to 8.4 million gallons of water annually, according to figures released Wednesday by the City of Racine.
Currently under construction on the former Foxconn manufacturing site in Mount Pleasant, the data center is slated to begin operations next year. Racine’s projections show that in its initial phase, the facility will use about 234,000 gallons of water per day—around 2.8 million gallons per year. In later phases, as more substations become active, daily usage could climb to 702,000 gallons, or about 8.4 million gallons annually.
The records, detailing expected water usage at the company’s upcoming artificial intelligence facility, were disclosed seven months after a Milwaukee-based water quality advocacy group first requested them—and just days after a lawsuit was filed to compel their release. This shows the tremendous challenges data center developments are currently facing inthe country.
Reported on 22nd December 2023 – Microsoft has completed a purchase deal for over 1,000 acres of additional land in Mount Pleasant for its new billion-dollar data centre. At a cost of US$63.2 million purchase for 400 acres near Braun Road, revenue department records showed. The company paid $36.4 million for 241 acres on County Highway H. Further, Microsoft purchased its last parcel, 407 acres, from Creuziger Farms for $76 million. The first two parcels of land were both purchased from Mount Pleasant. The land was part of the village’s Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 5.
Plans for the new parcels of land
The new purchases will allow Microsoft to build additional data centers over the next ten or so years. The tech giant expects to pour billions more into infrastructure, buildings and equipment on Mount Pleasant and. News on Microsoft’s purchase of the parcels of land comes six years after Foxconn announced plans to invest $9 billion for a massive development in the small town. Officials, however, approved a new deal Monday to allow Microsoft to purchase more than 1,000 acres originally intended for the company.
The company, which has over 300 data centres in 34 countries, broke ground on the Mount Pleasant data centre in September. Microsoft is also guaranteeing a minimum assessed value of $1.4 billion by January 1, 2028.
Also Read: Construction resumes at Meta data centres across the country
Microsoft also plans to invest $4.2 million to restore 1.5 miles of Lamparek Creek. Additionally, $100,000 for water restoration efforts throughout the county. They will also invest $200,000 to support education efforts in science, technology, engineering and math. The company will must build at least four data centers on the site under the agreement with the village. The project comes with no new infrastructure from the village or Racine County. There are also no public financial incentives for the company. The deal will also help the village close a tax incremental district created for Foxconn earlier than anticipated.
For additional information:
Microsoft closes land deal for billion-dollar data center construction
https://www.wpr.org/mount-pleasant-approves-microsoft-deal-data-centers-foxconn-land
The Microsoft Mount Pleasant Centre
The Mount Pleasant Centre will have three buildings in total for a combined 103,122 square metres. The majority of this land will be comprised of the two data centres, both standing at 61.5 ft and 26.5 ft. This is significantly shorter than the previous Foxconn manufacturing hub that was planned for the site which would have been 100 ft tall. Construction will take place on the southern portion of the property, taking up 215 acres. In addition to the buildings, Microsoft plans to construct a 30-foot wall on the southeastern end of the property. It will shield the cooling equipment for the data centres and help reduce noise.
Reports on Data Centres in North America
In a recent report by CBRE, construction of North American data centres is at an all-time high in part. This is attributed to the continued growth of artificial intelligence. The North American Data Center Trends Report found there is 2,287.6 megawatts (MW) of data center supply currently under construction in primary markets. This is a new all-time high with more than 70% already preleased. At the same time last year, there was 1,830.3 MW under construction. Companies are leasing space up to 3 years in advance of construction completion in anticipation of future demand and to secure data centre space at current pricing.
