Reports circulated Monday claiming that Facebook was funding a rumored new data center near Altoona, Iowa. This wouldn't be the first time in recent months Facebook has planned to build up its property structure. In March, architectural icon Frank Geary submitted plans for the new ultra-modernized Facebook headquarters to be constructed across the street from its existing building in Menlo Park, Calif.
Though certainly a key aspect to the Facebook plan, data centers do not have the same operational capacity as a company's headquarters. A data center holds a company's collection of digital material, both active and archival. With over one billion active users, Facebook has access to an almost unprecedented amount of personal data.
The Altoona plan would be a massive project, built in multiple $500 billion phases. Altoona city officials have already approved the construction of a facility exceeding 1.4 million square feet. Further legislative action will be needed, as the property proposal includes plans for wind- and solar-powered capabilities. Sitting on over 200 acres of land, (roughly 150 football fields) the site would be a massive addition to the Altoona city structure, and would certainly bring with it new jobs.
Though Facebook currently operates data centers in North Carolina and Oregon, the size and scope of the Altoona project suggest this would be the company's main facility. In nearby West Des Moines, Microsoft also houses a data center. Iowa continues to be an attractive option for big companies looking to house big data.
Iowa has been competing with Nebraska for the new facility, and has begun to change the landscape of the surrounding area to accommodate it. In the last several weeks, the city has prepared itself for the installation of a new water line. This water line is located near a local power plant.
The city will vote Tuesday to approve the solar and wind energy regulations.
