Utah-based Novva Data Centers is moving forward with plans for a significant data center campus in Mesa, Arizona. Dubbed "Project Borealis," the project design was presented to Mesa's Design Review Board for feedback on August 13, according to details obtained by ABC15. With the proposed development spanning over 1.4 million square feet, Novva aims to establish a sprawling compound comprising five data halls, an office building, a warehouse, an SRP switchyard, and multiple public spaces for gathering.
Novva, headquartered in West Jordan, Utah, and with multiple data centers across the western United States, acquired the land for the project through a state auction for $62.7 million last year. A future retail component, not included in the current proposal, is also planned for the site. By virtue of bidding in Mesa for two years, Novva Data Centers, according to CEO Wes Swenson, said, "We're excited to announce our intention to make Mesa the home of Novva's sixth data center," in a statement obtained by the Business Journal. The project's focus on sustainable practices and innovative technologies promises a data center with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The design review process is just one step in a series needed for the project's fruition. With no formal action taken by the board, Novva reported working closely with city staff to complete a site plan review and is also applying for a special-use permit. While the hearings for the permit by Mesa's planning and zoning board have not been scheduled yet, Novva's expectations are to have the first data center up and running by late 2026. Legal support for applications with the city is being provided by law firm Quarles & Brady LLP, while AE Urbia and PKJ Design Group are contributing to the design, and CIR Engineering is involved in the engineering aspects of the project.
The Phoenix metro area, including Mesa, has been identified as a burgeoning hotspot for data center development. The city has embraced this trend with major industry names such as Google and Meta among others who have invested in or are planning to develop similar facilities in the area. This boom is aligned with a projection by Goldman Sachs, estimating a 160% growth in data center demand by 2030, according to a Business Journal report. Mesa, in particular, claims an impressive pipeline, with 14.8 million square feet of data center space either planned or currently under construction, showcasing its commitment to securing a substantial share of the data center market.
