Southwest Cedar Rapids is experiencing significant industrial growth, driven by the development of two major data centers by Google and QTS Data Centers (Quality Technology Services) in the Big Cedar Industrial Center. These projects represent transformative investments in the region, contributing to its emergence as a hub for technology and innovation.
Google Data Center
- Google is developing a $576 million data center at the Big Cedar Industrial Center, making one of the largest economic development projects in Cedar Rapids‘ history.
- The project involves Heaviside LLC, Google’s development entity, which acquired 414 acres for $16.573 million. Grading work has commenced on this site.
- The data center is expected to generate hundreds of temporary construction jobs and at least 31 premanent high-quality jobs, with wages starting at $26.20 per hour and increasing over time.
- The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved $56 million in tax incentives over 20 years for the project.
QTS Data Center
- QTS Data Centers is investing $750 million to build a data center campus on 612 acres within the Big Cedar Industrial Center. This marks the largest economic development investment in Cedar Rapids’ history.
- Construction will occur in phases, with the first phase beginning within three years and subsequent phases potentially extending over 25 years.
- The facility will use innovative water-free cooling systems to minimize environmental impact and create at least 30 high-tech full-time jobs across its initial phases.
- QTS has committed up to $18 million over 20 years to Cedar Rapids’ Community Betterment Fund, supporting local initiatives and nonprofits.
Infrastructure and Economic Impact
- Both data centers are located within the 1,391-acre Big Cedar Industrial Center established by Alliant Energy in 2016. This site benefits from proximity to major transportation networks, including Interstate 380 and The Eastern Iowa Airport.
- Supporting infrastructure improvements include water main extensions funded jointly by Alliant Energy ($1.5 million) and city water revenue ($2.1 million), as well as sewer line expansions and road upgrades.
- The projects are projected to generate $1 billion in property taxes over 20 years, with $529 million returned as developer incentives.
Regional Growth
The development of these data centers aligns with broader trends in Cedar Rapids’ Southwest Growth Area, which has attracted over $1 billion in industrial investments since 2017. These include manufacturing facilities like BAE Systems‘ aerospace electronics plant and Sub-Zero‘s appliance factory. Together these initiatives are reshaping the region into a modern economy focused on technology, logistics and distribution.
Big Cedar Industrial Center has the potential for $1,326,000,000 investment from Google and QTS data centers in 2025.
Read more in the news:
Corridor Business Journal — Cedar Rapids, Alliant confirm QTS data center campus
The Gazette — The booming Southwest Growth Area in Cedar Rapids
The Gazette —Developer closes on land for Google’s proposed data Center
GLD listings near the Google and QTS Data Centers:
2800 76th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids
3215 64th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids