Over the past couple of years, there has been considerable discussion in Berrien County about the potential for development of ‘data centers’—large IT facilities that provide the infrastructure to process and store massive amounts of data associated with almost every aspect of life today. Servers, storage drives and the networking equipment that tie them all together. The centers require considerable space and a massive amount of electricity, which limit, to a degree, where they can be located. They are not huge employers; however they do offer some high-paying technical and related jobs. And, importantly, they stimulate development of other data-intensive businesses that find it helpful to be located near data centers, and each of those entities hire a workforce. The collective impact could be considerable in a small region like ours.
As a result, local leaders, especially at the County and State level, have been seeking to make Berrien County attractive for such data centers. Legislation that that makes data center development easier and more attractive has been pushed in Lansing by State Representative Joey Andrews. However, the proposal was stalled in the State Senate before the most recent legislative session ended. Andrews hopes to resurrect the measure in 2025, assuming he’s re-elected next week.
Recently, Microsoft signaled it would build a big data center in the Grand Rapids area, by purchasing 316 acres of land in Kent County from Steelcase for $ 45 Million. Good news for ‘GR’, for sure. However, we wondered what it means for Berrien County? Is a massive Grand Rapids data center a win, a loss, or inconsequential for us here in Berrien County and Michigan’s Great Southwest?
Cornerstone Alliance is Northern Berrien County’s economic development force and has been championing the local data center proposal, offering several possible sites, including land Cornerstone owns or controls near Lake Michigan College.
Christina Frank is the Interim President of Cornerstone and leads the group’s efforts to attract major projects like a data center.
We asked Frank several questions about where efforts stand to attract a data center and whether Grand Rapids’ apparent success is good news or bad news for Berrien County,
Frank talked first about the project’s current status and its challenges:
Cornerstone Alliance remains committed to driving economic development in Berrien County. Our region holds substantial potential for data center development and other strategic projects that could bring significant investment and job growth. However, realizing these ambitions requires the alignment of various local, regional, and state stakeholders, as well as the timely availability of critical state resources.
Development projects of this scale, particularly data centers, require a multifaceted approach that balances infrastructure needs, environmental considerations, regulatory compliance, and financial viability. We are actively working alongside our municipal partners to address each community’s concerns and opportunities, ensuring that projects are not only viable but enhance the local fabric of the community. The process can be complex, as it often involves navigating a competitive landscape where other regions within the state, such as Grand Rapids, are also pursuing similar development projects.
What does progress in Grand Rapids mean for the local effort:
Progress in Grand Rapids does not necessarily mean a lost opportunity for Berrien County; rather, it highlights Michigan’s overall appeal for high-tech industries like data centers. Each project is unique in terms of location requirements, infrastructure demands, and community fit. Our objective remains to make Berrien County an attractive option for similar investments by working collaboratively with both local and state partners.
What is the path forward:
To advance a data center project, or any project in our region, coordination is essential. The key players include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), utility providers, and various state departments responsible for infrastructure and environmental approvals. These stakeholders must assess and allocate resources effectively to support multiple initiatives throughout Michigan. Cornerstone Alliance continues to engage with these parties to underscore the potential benefits of doing business in Berrien County, and we are actively advocating for the necessary support and prioritization of providing important resources for attracting and sustaining large-scale projects.
What is Cornerstone Alliance’s role:
Cornerstone Alliance is proactively addressing each step required to facilitate such development. We are working diligently to build strong relationships with decision-makers, ensure local infrastructure is prepared for expansion, and convey Berrien County’s advantages. Through strategic planning, continued advocacy, and collaboration, we are positioning our region to be competitive for projects of this magnitude.
As with all economic development projects, timing and alignment of resources are critical. We appreciate the community’s interest and support as we work to bring impactful investments to Berrien County.
Christina Frank, Interim President, Cornerstone Alliance
