Microsoft entered into a land contract to purchase the southern section of the Steelcase wood plant in the 4000 block of 68th Street Southeast in Gaines Township, just south of Grand Rapids, for the construction of a data center.
The tech company is requesting Gaines Township rezone the parcel from Planned Unit Development to light industrial to align with adjacent properties also purchased from Steelcase for $45.3 million.
Microsoft recently presented a five-point plan to community neighbors that includes working with Consumers Energy supporting electrical capacity expansion protecting area residents from utility cost increases. Microsoft will deploy a closed-loop water cooling system instead of drawing from onsite groundwater. The company will also donate 9.5 acres of land for public open space and trails.
This Wednesday’s meeting is at South Christian High School at 6 p.m.
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