News Summary
Tract, a data center developer, has purchased a 1,515-acre site in Caldwell County, Texas, aiming to develop advanced cloud and AI technologies. With a planned initial power capacity of 360 MW by 2028, this acquisition supports Tract’s strategy in establishing large-scale data center parks. The region’s robust infrastructure and skilled workforce are expected to attract significant investments and job creation, reinforcing Texas’s position as a tech hub.
Austin, Texas—Data center developer Tract has made a significant move in the tech landscape by acquiring a 1,515-acre land parcel in Caldwell County, which is strategically located south of Austin and northeast of San Antonio. This acquisition positions Tract to support more than 2 GW of power capacity at full build-out, paving the way for the development of advanced cloud and artificial intelligence technologies in the region.
The company plans an initial grid connection of 360 MW, with energization aimed for 2028. This connection will be in collaboration with the Blue Bonnet Electric Cooperative, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and reliable power sources for data center operations. Tract’s CEO highlighted the business-friendly environment of Texas and the site’s advantageous location, which is equipped with essential infrastructure, including transmission lines, natural gas, and long-haul fiber resources necessary for data processing and storage.
Tract has also expressed confidence in the local workforce, which offers a skilled pool of workers suited to support both construction and operational roles. The company, founded by former Cologix CEO Grant van Rooyen, is focused on acquiring, zoning, and developing data center parks that are fully zoned and shovel-ready for major operators in the industry. This recent acquisition is part of their broader plan to establish large-scale, master-planned data center campuses capable of catering to the needs of hyperscale cloud providers.
This ambitious development plan first came to light in October 2024, when Tract sought planning permission with the Uhland City Council. Despite a nearby interest from Micron Technologies, which evaluated the area for a potential semiconductor plant, the corporation ultimately opted for a location in New York. The land’s development has also caught the attention of Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who noted that the initiative is expected to create numerous jobs, enhance the power grid, and reinforce the technological infrastructure in the area.
Tract has emerged as a formidable player in the data center sector, raising $1.7 billion from investors and managing more than 25,000 acres across 10 markets. Their growth trajectory includes successful projects in states such as Virginia, Nevada, and Utah, with additional campuses planned for Texas, Virginia, Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and North Carolina. Furthermore, the company recently launched a dedicated data center developer named Fleet DC.
The Caldwell County site will be adjacent to a multi-billion-dollar data center campus being constructed by Prime Data Centers, which signifies a growing hub for technological development in the area. Tract’s overall capacity planning efforts currently exceed 25 GW, emphasizing their focus on facilitating substantial data processing requirements for tech giants and other industries reliant on cloud solutions and AI technologies.
As data needs continue to expand, Tract remains poised to play a pivotal role in the future of data center development, particularly in the burgeoning tech landscape surrounding Austin, Texas. With a robust strategy and ample resources, the company aims to meet the growing demand for data services while fostering innovation and job creation in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Datacenter Dynamics: Tract Acquires 1515 Acres
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- The Real Deal: Tract Buys 1500 Acres
- Google Search: Tract Data Center Austin Acquisition
- D Magazine: Cawley Partners Acquisition
- Google Scholar: Data Center Development
- Connect CRE: Data Center Planner Ties Up Site
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- Statesman: Trump DAMAC Data Centers
- Google News: Texas Data Center Development
