Starwood to Convert Former NFL Facility Into More Data Centers

Even former NFL training grounds aren’t safe from Northern Virginia’s data center tsunami. Starwood Capital Group is aiming to transform an eight-acre campus in Herndon — once used by the Washington Commanders in the 1970s and ‘80s — into two data center facilities. This move is just one example of the growing trend of repurposing old buildings and land for the booming data center industry in the region.

Northern Virginia has long been known as a hub for data centers, with its proximity to Washington, D.C., and access to high-speed fiber optic networks making it an ideal location for companies looking to store and process massive amounts of data. The area is home to some of the largest data center operators in the world, including Equinix, Digital Realty, and CoreSite, as well as tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.

The demand for data center space in Northern Virginia has been driven by the rise of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other data-intensive technologies. As more and more companies move their operations to the cloud and rely on data-driven insights to drive their businesses, the need for secure, reliable data center facilities has never been greater.

Starwood Capital Group’s decision to repurpose the former Washington Commanders training grounds for data center use is indicative of the broader trend of repurposing old buildings and land for this rapidly expanding industry. In recent years, we have seen a number of high-profile examples of this trend, including the conversion of old warehouses, factories, and office buildings into state-of-the-art data center facilities.

The Washington Commanders training grounds in Herndon offer a unique opportunity for Starwood Capital Group to create a cutting-edge data center campus in a prime location. The site is located just a short drive from Dulles International Airport, making it an ideal location for companies looking to establish a presence in the Northern Virginia data center market. Additionally, the site’s proximity to major highways and public transportation hubs makes it easily accessible for employees and clients alike.

The transformation of the former training grounds into data center facilities will not only create jobs and generate economic activity in the region, but it will also help to meet the growing demand for data center space in Northern Virginia. With more and more companies looking to establish a presence in the area, the availability of high-quality data center facilities is crucial to supporting the region’s continued growth and success as a technology hub.

In addition to repurposing the former Washington Commanders training grounds, Starwood Capital Group is also exploring opportunities to develop new data center facilities in other parts of Northern Virginia. The company has been actively acquiring land and buildings in the region, with plans to develop state-of-the-art data center campuses that will meet the needs of a wide range of customers, from small startups to large enterprise clients.

One of the key challenges facing the data center industry in Northern Virginia is the availability of suitable land and buildings for development. As demand for data center space continues to grow, developers are increasingly looking to repurpose existing structures rather than build new facilities from scratch. This trend has led to a number of innovative projects in the region, including the conversion of old office buildings, warehouses, and even shopping malls into data center facilities.

The transformation of the former Washington Commanders training grounds is just the latest example of this trend, and it underscores the region’s ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing market conditions. By repurposing old buildings and land for data center use, developers are not only able to meet the growing demand for space, but they are also able to breathe new life into underutilized properties and create new opportunities for economic development in the region.

In addition to repurposing existing buildings, developers in Northern Virginia are also exploring innovative new ways to meet the demand for data center space. One emerging trend is the development of underground data centers, which offer a number of benefits in terms of security, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. By locating data centers underground, developers are able to take advantage of the natural insulation provided by the earth, reducing the need for costly cooling systems and minimizing the environmental footprint of the facilities.

Another trend that is gaining traction in the region is the development of modular data center facilities, which are designed to be quickly deployable and scalable to meet the changing needs of customers. By using modular construction techniques, developers are able to build data center facilities in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional construction methods, allowing them to respond quickly to shifts in demand and technology.

The transformation of the former Washington Commanders training grounds into data center facilities is just the beginning of what promises to be a period of rapid growth and innovation in the Northern Virginia data center market. With demand for data center space showing no signs of slowing down, developers and operators in the region are constantly exploring new opportunities and technologies to meet the needs of their customers and stay ahead of the competition.

As the region continues to evolve as a technology hub, the transformation of old buildings and land for data center use will play an increasingly important role in supporting the growth and success of the industry. By repurposing existing structures and embracing new technologies, developers in Northern Virginia are helping to ensure that the region remains a global leader in the data center market for years to come.

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Source: Commercial Observer