The DeKalb Data Center expansion project continues to strengthen Illinois’ position as a leading hub for hyperscale digital infrastructure. Since the expansion was announced, construction has progressed through multiple phases, transforming the DeKalb campus into one of Meta’s largest U.S. data center developments. The project now supports the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services while generating long-term economic benefits for northern Illinois.
The DeKalb campus sits on approximately 505 acres within the ChicagoWest Business Park, around 65 miles west of Chicago. Originally announced as an $800 million investment in 2020, the project later expanded beyond $1 billion with the addition of three more data center buildings. The completed campus will comprise nearly 2.4 million square feet of mission-critical infrastructure.
Current status of the DeKalb Data Center Expansion Project in 2026
As of 2026, the DeKalb Data Center Expansion Project has moved well beyond its initial construction phase. The first major facility became operational in late 2023, while subsequent buildings have continued progressing under phased development. The campus now forms part of Meta’s growing U.S. hyperscale infrastructure network supporting AI workloads, cloud services, and digital platforms.
Construction contractor Mortenson completed the initial flagship facility in December 2024 after delivering advanced electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems across the campus. During peak construction, the project supported approximately 1,200 skilled trade workers, making it one of northern Illinois’ largest construction programs.
The DeKalb campus also continues operating on renewable energy while incorporating advanced water-efficient cooling technologies. These sustainability measures align with Meta’s wider commitment to reducing operational emissions across its global data center portfolio.
DeKalb Data Center Expansion Project reflects America’s AI construction boom
The continued expansion of hyperscale facilities demonstrates the growing demand for AI-ready digital infrastructure across the United States. Besides supporting Meta’s digital ecosystem, the DeKalb campus contributes to regional employment, local tax revenues, and infrastructure investment.
The project also complements newer AI-focused developments nationwide. A notable example is the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure project, which is driving the construction of next-generation hyperscale AI campuses across the United States. Together, these developments highlight how demand for artificial intelligence is reshaping construction priorities for data centers, power infrastructure, and utility networks.
With AI computing requirements accelerating, Illinois remains well positioned to attract additional digital infrastructure investments. New proposals, including adjacent data center campuses, further reinforce DeKalb’s emergence as one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing technology and construction hubs.
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Expectations for the DeKalb Data center
The DeKalb Data center will be Meta’s 17th data centre in the U.S., which will provide users with both Facebook and Instagram content, and at full build out the facility is expected to create up to 200 jobs. Meta has already begun the recruitment process for the workers needed to manage the operations of the facility, and these positions range from technicians and electrical engineers to culinary staff.
Meta is also working on the green building requirement for the DeKalb Data center and has partnered with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, to develop a more sustainable concrete mixture for the project. In addition, two new wind energy projects for Morgan and DeWitt counties, are being looked into, which will provide the data center with 100% renewable energy.
The DeKalb Data center has received support from the Data Center Investment Program, which was created by the state of Illinois in 2019. Parnell also mentioned that Facebook was previously granted the data center sales tax exemptions, which are offered to companies investing at least $250 million and creating up to 20 new operational jobs at a data center.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: DeKalb Data Center Expansion Project
Value: More than $1 billion
Location: DeKalb, Illinois, USA
Developer: Meta
Project type: Hyperscale data center campus
Campus size: Approximately 505 acres
Total planned floor area: Nearly 2.4 million square feet
Construction commencement: 2020
Current status (2026): Multi-phase campus operational and continuing phased expansion to support AI and cloud infrastructure.
Primary purpose: Artificial intelligence computing, cloud services, digital platforms, and data storage
Sustainability features: Renewable energy supply, water-efficient cooling systems, energy-efficient building design
Peak construction workforce: Approximately 1,200 skilled workers
Project Team
Project owner and operator: Meta
General contractor: Mortenson
Prime site contractor: Curran Contracting
Civil infrastructure contractor: Krusinski Construction Company
Location: ChicagoWest Business Park, DeKalb, Illinois
Supporting stakeholders: City of DeKalb, State of Illinois, local utility providers, engineering consultants, specialty mechanical and electrical contractors
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