The southeastern Mesa landscape is set to change significantly with the Mesa City Council unanimously approving two significant data center projects during their meeting on August 26. According to ABC15, both the Pacific Proving Technology Campus and the Merit Legacy Technology Park have been greenlit to move forward, setting the stage for development in the rapidly expanding technology sector of the region.
Details of the Pacific Proving Technology Campus, as reported by Data Center Dynamics, highlight that the project is slated for nearly 170 acres on the northeast corner of Pecos and Crimson roads. This establishment is expected to house seven data halls, comprising nearly 1.7 million square feet of floor space, a 100,000-square-foot warehouse, and a two-story office building. The technology park's anticipated capacity is around 360MW, signifying a substantial increase in the data processing potential for the area.
An interesting historical note is that the land set for development by Pacific Proving had a previous life as part of the General Motors Desert Proving Ground. This facility was active in testing automotive systems in extreme climate conditions and was in operation until General Motors moved operations to Yuma in 2009. The transformation from automotive testing grounds to a data-driven infrastructure showcases the evolving nature of industry and real estate utility over time.
Joining the Pacific Proving initiative, the Merit Legacy Technology Park will be standing on 43 acres, also owned by Pacific Proving LLC. Spearheaded by Phoenix-based Merit Partners, this project will incorporate three data halls spanning 1 million square feet. Both projects are represented by Gammage & Burnham PLC, adding to the city's significant portfolio in the high-tech sector. The proximity and approval of these projects underscore Mesa's rising profile within the technology landscape—a boon to the city's economy and appeal as a destination for innovation.
With a rapidly expanding profile in the data center market, Mesa is already home to a roster of prominent companies and is attracting more projects in this domain. Amazon is planning two campuses in Mesa, with existing operations from Meta, Apple, CyrusOne, and NTT among others already in place. The approval of the Pacific Proving and Merit Legacy projects not only reinforces the city's tech-centric growth but also places it firmly on the map as a burgeoning hub for digital infrastructure within the greater Phoenix area.
