Building More Than a Data Center
Set on a sprawling 500-acre campus in DeKalb, Illinois, just 65 miles west of Chicago, the DeKalb Data Center is a cornerstone of global infrastructure, powering applications and services for people worldwide. When we completed this cutting-edge facility in December 2024, we knew we were setting a new standard for data center design and construction. But what truly sets this project apart is the heart and dedication our team brought to the community.
From the very beginning, we saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact in DeKalb. Our team worked tirelessly—not just to deliver a world-class facility, but to join a community. We partnered with local building trades and launched workforce development programs that brought individuals into the trades, equipping them with valuable skills and real opportunities to elevate their lives. Through four successful training cohorts, 33 participants took part, with a 70% retention rate. Thirty-two Mortenson mentors guided them, and many graduates went on to earn full-time employment or begin apprenticeships with local unions and trade partners.
We were also eager to engage directly with the community. In addition to working with many other organizations, our team stayed involved and connected to residents through events like the , and fundraisers, and volunteering with .Ěý Education was close to everyone’s heart, so the team also worked hard to make a difference in the local schools by participating in volunteer events and helping to collect supplies for school drives.
Our efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Even the Mayor of DeKalb, Cohen Barnes, took the time to thank our team, saying,Ěý“There is a higher objective here than just building a building and populating it full of computers. It’s about impact. You’ve got a program where you reach out into the community and bring individuals into the trades and teach them those particular skills to elevate someone from where they are in life right now to the next level.”Ě�
Innovation, precision, and collaboration were at the core of our approach. We leveragedĚýBLUvera, a Mortenson affiliate to introduce prefabricated walls, precast duct bank, and hot aisle containment systems.Ěý We established an offsite manufacturing facility in DeKalb to support them. Our focus on early issue detection, rigorous quality control, and a foundation of trust ensured top-tier performance across all systems and delivered exceptional results,Ěýturning the project over to our customerĚýearly.
But the story doesn’t end there. The DeKalb Data Center has achieved LEED Gold Certification, reflecting our commitment to sustainable design and construction. We prioritized energy and water conservation, responsible material sourcing, and waste reduction—setting a new national benchmark for data center efficiency.
This project raised the bar on everything from workforce development to community engagement and apprenticeship programs. It is a testament to what’s possible when you build with purpose, partnership, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.
