PowerHouse Data Centers and Poe Companies recently announced they were setting the stage for what is to be a cutting-edge hyperscale data center campus in Louisville, Ky.
Planned to eventually total 400 MW, the hyperscale campus is reportedly the first of its kind in Kentucky. The ambitious project intends to address both cloud and AI computing to meet the growing hyperscale demand and set a new standard for data center infrastructure and reliability.
Located between the Mid-Atlantic markets and the Midwest, Louisville and the surrounding metropolitan region have grown to be recognized as a key location for data centers seeking low-latency peering. Adding to the advantages of the local market, the state recently approved a 50-year, tax-exempt program for data center projects in Jefferson County.
The joint venture between PowerHouse and Poe has secured access to an initial power capacity of 335 MW for this campus. The near-term expansion plan is expected to be up to 402 MW. The Louisville Gas & Electric utilities company will be supporting the power supply by a new switch station that’s scheduled for completion in September 2026, in addition to a dedicated, on-site substation.
To ensure effective cooling and operational efficiency for high-density computing needs, the campus will also benefit from access to the Louisville Water Company’s infrastructure system and excess capacity.
According to statements released by the joint venture, construction will begin at the site in 2025, once zoning is in place. The first building is scheduled to be operational by Q4 2026, with the first 130 MW available in October 2026.
“Louisville offers everything hyperscale users need — immediate and reliable power at very attractive rates; water; connectivity; and a business environment that encourages more hyperscale growth in the region,” said Doug Fleit, co-founder and CEO of PowerHouse. “The experience of working with Louisville Gas and Electric, the utility serving the site, has been a model for other utilities in the country to follow, as well as a testament to Poe Companies’ relationships in the community and the market.”
With power-hungry artificial intelligence continuing to drive development in the data center industrial real estate segment, we will likely see more such markets being tapped for their undeveloped potential. If you’re looking to get ahead of opportunities in the region, check out the local listings of commercial real estate in Louisville or visit the CommercialCafe.com homepage to start your search for other locations.
