Aug 19, 2025 | Posted by Abdul-Rahman Oladimeji
Two data centers planned by the University of Michigan (U-M) have been asked to relocate following a meeting by local officials. The data centers are part of a $1.2bn project, and are currently planned for 124 acres purchased by U-M off Textile Road in Ypsilanti Township in June 2024.
The data centers would be used for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI research, aiming to "strengthen the university’s research capabilities in science, energy, and national security and create new jobs in southeast Michigan." They would house two computing centers - one for Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists, and the other for academic purposes for U-M faculty and students. Construction is currently slated to begin in 2026.
Letters from township representatives wrote of concerns that "despite recent numerous requests by the full-time elected officials for additional, and detailed, information regarding this issue, we have to date been unable to get more than a cursory overview," and raised concerns about the environment and health impacts on locals.
