Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, August 26, 2025
News Summary
A golf course in Dauphin County has been sold for $45.6 million to Harrisburg I, LLC, which intends to transform the site into a data center. This deal comes as part of a larger plan for six potential data center projects on the property. The sale will help alleviate $13 million in debt for the county, while also generating increased tax revenue for the community. Significant changes are expected, with operations at the golf course set to cease by the end of 2027, pending necessary approvals.
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania – Golf Course Sold for $45.6 Million to Become Data Center
A golf course in Dauphin County has been sold for $45.6 million to Harrisburg I, LLC, which plans to convert the site into a data center. The sale, approved by the Dauphin County General Authority (DCGA), is part of a proposal for six potential data center projects on the 250-acre site. Harrisburg I, LLC is affiliated with Texas-based real estate firm Provident Realty Advisors.
This proposal offers an opportunity for the DCGA to clear approximately $13 million in debt associated with the golf course, which has experienced financial losses for several years. The sale price is approximately ten times higher than the land’s recorded market value, indicating the high demand for data center developments in the area.
The golf course, located in Swatara Township and Steelton, will undergo significant changes should the necessary conditions be met before finalizing the sale, including securing crucial infrastructure approvals. These conditions encompass obtaining permits for water, power, highway occupancy, and addressing land use matters. If all conditions are satisfied, business operations at the golf course will cease by the end of 2027.
Local Impact and Future Development
The sale is expected to positively impact local tax revenues for both the community and the school district, according to Barbara Zemlock, chairperson of the DCGA. Furthermore, Londonderry Township is considering a zoning ordinance amendment to facilitate data center developments, which would simplify regulations surrounding traditional neighborhood developments while defining data centers and their accessory uses as an overlay district.
Dauphin County is strategically located west of Philadelphia and east of Pittsburgh, with Harrisburg as its major settlement. This geographical placement may attract more data center operators, as the majority of Pennsylvania’s data centers are currently situated in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Prominent operators in the state include Iron Mountain, EdgeConneX, Ark, DataBank, Equinix, and 365 Data Centers.
About Provident Realty Advisors
Established in 1991, Provident Realty Advisors specializes in real estate investment and development. Their division, Provident Data Centers, focuses on the development of data centers by overseeing site acquisitions, feasibility studies, power procurement, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure design. The firm previously proposed a data center on a 200-acre site in Indiana, which was rejected, and later pitched a seven-building project in Burns Harbor, Indiana. They are also engaged in several projects across Texas, with a total of 6GW worth of initiatives indicated on their project map across six states.
Conclusion
The transition from a golf course to a data center marks a significant shift in land use in Dauphin County, opening avenues for technological growth and economic investment in the region. As conditions unfold, the community will navigate potential changes presented by new development while aiming to realize substantial financial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What will happen to the golf course in Dauphin County?
The golf course will be converted into a data center by the buyer, Harrisburg I, LLC, with business operations expected to cease by the end of 2027, depending on certain conditions being met.
How much was the golf course sold for?
The golf course was sold for $45.6 million, which is about ten times higher than its recorded market value.
What are the potential benefits of this sale for the community?
The sale is expected to enhance local tax revenues for the community and the school district, while also alleviating $13 million in debt linked to the property.
What kind of approvals are required for the sale to be finalized?
The sale requires approvals for water, power, highway occupancy permits, and needs to navigate various land use matters.
Key Features of the Dauphin County Golf Course Sale
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | $45.6 million |
| Buyer | Harrisburg I, LLC (affiliated with Provident Realty Advisors) |
| Location | Swatara Township and Steelton, Dauphin County, PA |
| Planned Development | Data center |
| Debt Cleared | $13 million |
| Timeline for Business Operations | Cease by the end of 2027, pending approvals |
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Additional Resources
- Data Center Dynamics: Golf Course to Become Data Center
- ABC27: Dauphin County Golf Course Sold for $45.6 Million
- PhillyVoice: Three Mile Island Restart Hearing – Microsoft Data Center Concerns
- MSN: Dauphin County Golf Course Sold for $45.6M
- Wikipedia: Data Center
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PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
