The proposed 2.6 Million Sq. Ft. Air Products data center outside Allentown is officially cancelled. Currently, Air Products dropped all development plans. Upper Macungie Township officials heavily rejected the massive project. This recent zoning dispute acted as an opportunity for residents. The proposed project site spans 194 acres in Pennsylvania. Moreover, it was planned as a massive digital campus. It was designed to host three massive server buildings. The developer first revealed the data center plans recently. Consequently, this marks a major win for local opponents. The development also aimed to replace an old headquarters.

Despite setbacks data centers such as Fermi Matador are making significant advancements as a 2.6GW power complex is planned to power the campus. Currently, Hillcore Energy Capital is financing this massive development. Fermi America and Hillcore are jointly coordinating the project. Furthermore, this ongoing partnership acts as an opportunity to scale power. The proposed project site spans Carson County in Texas. Moreover, it is planned as a robust energy campus.

Cancellation and Outlook on Air Products Data Center

The cancellation of the proposed 2.6 Million Sq. Ft. Air Products data center outside Allentown is final. This is according to official statements from Air Products. Following the zoning rejection, the company declined to appeal. The zoning board is also scheduled to close the file. Furthermore, the 30-day legal appeal window has completely lapsed. Therefore, the company will not challenge the local ruling. The project faces a permanent snag after heavy political pushback. State Senator Jarrett Coleman stated data centers do not fit. Ultimately, officials make it official that plans are entirely dead.

Previous Site History

The project implementation previously faced other massive development changes. Specifically, the site served as the company headquarters since 1950. Additionally, Prologis planned a massive warehouse complex there in 2023. However, that development was also ultimately abandoned by the companies. Consequently, Air Products has not outlined future plans currently. The 194-acre property sits vacant along Hamilton Boulevard. Therefore, local leaders will carefully monitor any new zoning requests. Despite pushback, the company values its long community history.

Project Overview

• Project Value: Undisclosed
• Location: Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania (Outside Allentown)
• Developer: Air Products
• Status: Officially cancelled and scrapped

Scope

• 2.6 million square foot data center campus
• Three massive technology and server buildings
• 194-acre commercial property redevelopment
• Demolition of former corporate headquarters buildings

Project Highlights

• Massive digital infrastructure proposal abandoned
• Local zoning application formally denied in May
• 30-day legal appeal period allowed to lapse
• Developer prioritizing positive community relationships instead

Key Developments

• Upper Macungie Township zoning board rejected the application
• Decision officially confirmed in writing during July
• Air Products confirmed they will not file an appeal
• Site was previously slated for a massive warehouse complex

Key Challenges

• Intense local opposition to massive data center facilities
• Navigating strict township zoning and land use regulations
• State politicians actively opposing local tech infrastructure
• Determining a viable future use for the 194-acre site

Outlook

• Project is permanently cancelled and will not advance
• Air Products must determine new plans for the property
• Local community remains highly restrictive regarding tech developments
• Future land use applications will face intense public scrutiny