Microsoft confirms building data centers in Licking County after buying over 700 acres

HEATH, Ohio (WCMH) -- Microsoft is the latest tech giant with plans to build data centers in Licking County, the company confirmed to NBC4 nearly a year after first buying land in the area.

With the recent purchase of 227 acres at 975 Thornwood Dr. in Heath -- costing over $32 million -- Microsoft's total land bought in Licking County has surpassed 700 acres. Other Licking County land purchased by Microsoft include a 197-acre parcel near Johnstown, three parcels totaling 291 acres in Pataskala and a 16 acres in New Albany.

After making its first purchase of the Johnstown land at 3287 Beech Rd. in June 2023, Microsoft declined to comment. Nearly a year later, it confirmed plans to construct data centers in Licking County. A Microsoft representative even indicated that construction has already begun.

"Microsoft purchased this property in Licking County, Ohio, to support datacenter construction already underway in the area," Bowen Wallace of Microsoft said.

The plans are further confirmed on the Central Ohio page of Microsoft's website, which also includes commitments to the Licking County community.

"We look forward to actively participating in the community and investing in social programs that support our goals of promoting environmental sustainability and skill development and training for meaningful employment in the technology sector," the website said.

Rapid development as tech sets roots in Licking County

Licking County and surrounding areas have seen the start of a tech boom since Intel came to town in 2022.

The start of work on Intel's $20 billion Ohio One plant in New Albany -- scheduled to be finished between 2026 and 2027 before becoming operational between 2027 and 2028 -- has led to more tech companies moving into what the city is calling its Silicon Heartland. The companies building their first or additional data centers in the region include Amazon Data Services, DBT Data New Albany, and Google.

Tech growth in the area has led to investments being made in the community, including a $90 million project to fund local and state transportation projects. When announced in July 2023, Gov. Mike DeWine said the project goes hand in hand with Intel's New Albany endeavor.

“When we announced Intel, we committed to building infrastructure and to help the local community build infrastructure that would handle the extra traffic from Intel and also the other traffic that is going to come from other companies that are coming to this region,” DeWine said.

Additionally, a 408-unit apartment building near New Albany was approved by Columbus in mid-December. The Moore's Edge development from Columbus-based developer Thrive Companies was named after Intel's co-founder, indicating the project's close ties to Intel and demonstrating the computer chip manufacturer's impact on local growth.