October 11, 2023

Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR) Unveils Urbacon’s Site Plan for Phase I of the Niagara Digital Campus, a state-of-the art $1.5 billion data center and technology center in the City of Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls, NY (October 11, 2023)—Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR) today unveiled a site plan for Phase I of the Niagara Digital Campus on John B. Daly Blvd. in the City of Niagara Falls.

The site plan was prepared by Urbacon—the Toronto-based developer and operator of state-of-the-art data centers—and shows how the first 50 MW of the proposed 135 MW project would fit on the parcel of land commonly known as “Parcel 0.” The plan also shows the location of an electric substation that NFR and Urbacon will build at the site to provide power to the data center and materially improve the downtown Niagara Falls electric grid.

Phase I of the Niagara Digital Campus would be built in two parts (Phase IA and Phase IB) over the course of approximately 24 months from groundbreaking. Phase I would be home to approximately 282,000 of the 600,000 square feet of data center space envisioned for the project.

After much consideration, Urbacon has determined Parcel 0 is the only site that will work for the first phase of the Niagara Digital Campus. Parcel 0 is the only site that is shovel-ready, with access to power and other infrastructure necessary to support this initial phase of the Niagara Digital Campus. Once the City rescinds eminent domain and project approvals are secured, Phase I will be underway and setting the stage for the creation of critical mass and economic activity essential to support the site preparation work required for other phases of the development.

The Niagara Digital Campus will be energy efficient, low noise and blend seamlessly with the surrounding area. It will be among the largest data-center developments in Western New York and is expected to serve as a magnet for additional high-technology jobs and opportunity in the region.

“We are pleased to present this plan for the Niagara Digital Campus, which we believe will jumpstart a tech revolution in the City of Niagara Falls,” said Roger Trevino of NFR. “Working with Urbacon, we have a rare opportunity to bring jobs and opportunity to the residents of Niagara Falls — the types of jobs that can change lives and foster high-technology infrastructure that will benefit the City of Niagara Falls for generations.”

Jobs and Opportunity

Based on projections derived from data in several prominent studies—including by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center and the Northern Virginia Technology Council—it is estimated that the full Niagara Digital Campus project will create more than 5,600 high-paying construction jobs—with more than $250 million in wages, and economic spinoff benefits expected to top more than $810 million. Once all phases are operational, the Niagara Digital Campus will create more than 500 high-paying permanent jobs, with expected annual wages of nearly $29 million. Total economic benefit from the new facility is expected to exceed $250 million annually, with more than 1,700 permanent jobs created in support and ancillary businesses.

As part of the new Niagara Digital Campus development, NFR is proposing donating more than 10 acres of land it owns to the City of Niagara Falls, along with $350,000 to the city each year for 10 years for upkeep, maintenance and economic development projects. The campus will also be home to the Niagara Digital Campus Technology Education Center, where local school groups and other interested members of the community will have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of data engineering and network operations. Future plans include scholarship programs and partnerships with local educational institutions in furtherance of these efforts.

About Urbacon 

Urbacon is a preeminent developer, constructor, and operator of hyperscale and build-to-suit data centers in North America. They provide leading edge facilities with high connectivity, high efficiency, and high security, in flexible geographies with expansion potential.

Founded in 1984, Urbacon brings the competitive advantage of in-house resources with a range of technical proficiencies at their disposal including planning, architecture, engineering, and project management.

Urbacon successfully operates similar facilities in Montreal, Toronto and Richmond Hill, Ontario. Each project brought tremendous economic benefit to its local community and has received the full support of all levels of government. 

About Niagara Falls Redevelopment

Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR) is a private company dedicated to the redevelopment of Niagara Falls, New York. NFR owns more than 140 acres of prime real estate in the heart of downtown Niagara Falls. With large, ready-to-build parcels just steps away from the falls, NFR has a rare opportunity to participate in the rebirth of one of America’s most beloved cities.

Over the years, NFR has spent more than $116 million in the Niagara Falls area as part of its continuing effort to develop key parcels. This represents one of the most significant private investments of capital in the history of the City of Niagara Falls. NFR’s contributions to the community include property and school taxes totaling nearly $13.2 million, making NFR and its subsidiaries among the largest taxpayers in Niagara Falls.

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