Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is more than doubling the size of its DeKalb Data Center in the Chicago West Business Center.
The data center on Gurler Road is expanding from two to five buildings, growing Meta’s investment in DeKalb to more than $1 billion. Construction jobs at the site will continue for years, and more than 200 operational jobs are planned. Mayor Cohen Barnes is excited to see Meta’s partnership with the City expand.
“The impact Meta has made within the City of DeKalb goes beyond just an economic one,” said Barnes. “Since day one, they have made a concerted effort to make a larger impact on DeKalb, and I look forward, with this announcement, to seeing that partnership continue to grow over the years to come.”
The data center was made possible with the creation of the Chicago West Business Park, envisioned by Krusinski Construction Company and its principal partner Jerry Krusinski. With an expertise in complex building projects and a national reach in a wide range of industries, Krusinski Construction attracted Ferrara Candy Company to Chicago West in 2019 before securing an additional 505 acres of property to bring Meta to DeKalb.
“Jerry Krusinski is a remarkable and visionary leader in industrial development in the Midwest region and beyond. He has the insight to know what uses can be impactful and successful in a given location, and the patience to wait for a company that is a good fit for the community,” said DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas.
Chicago West is also home to an Amazon Sortation Facility, now under construction, and opportunities remain in the business center for further economic development.
While expanding in DeKalb, Meta plans to continue its investment in the vitality of the community. One way this is done is Meta’s Community Action Grants available to schools and registered 501(c)3 non-profit organizations in locations where Meta has an online data center. The application window for the Community Action Grants program in DeKalb County will open this fall.
A map shows the master plan for the Chicago West Business Center in DeKalb.