Evanston officials seek more detail on proposed data center

City planning staff in Evanston have determined that a proposed data center and innovation incubator at 1265 and 1245 Hartrey Ave. would likely require a text amendment to the city’s zoning code to proceed. While the developer, Reed Beidler, argues the project should be permitted under current industrial zoning, city staff stated the facility does not currently qualify as a permitted or special use under existing regulations.

The proposal, which involves converting a former industrial building into approximately 20,000 square feet of processing and incubator space, has faced local opposition. During a recent ward meeting, residents expressed concerns regarding the development. Additionally, Mayor Daniel Biss suggested the city consider a moratorium on data center construction to manage the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, describing AI as a “truly unique threat.”

City officials have requested additional information from the applicant to conduct a more thorough review. An official statement regarding the proposal is expected at the beginning of the City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 28.