Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, July 30, 2025

News Summary

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is set to repurpose an 830-acre farmland area into a significant data center, with construction already in progress. While businesses like Cantafio’s Buckhorn Supper Club continue operations nearby, the local economy anticipates job generation and economic growth from this project. However, water consumption concerns and community sentiment pose challenges as residents seek to balance modernization with the preservation of their rural lifestyle.

Beaver Dam Prepares for Major Data Center Development on Former Farmland

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, is poised to transform an 830-acre tract of farmland into a major data center, with construction preparations already underway despite no official announcement regarding the project. This site, previously home to grazing cows, is set for a significant shift towards advancing AI and cloud computing technologies.

Local businessman Joe Cantafio has confirmed that his establishment, Cantafio’s Buckhorn Supper Club, will continue operations even with the development taking place nearby. Meanwhile, farmland owners have reportedly received approximately $20,000 or more per acre for their properties as they make way for this new venture.

Economic Implications and Job Creation

The upcoming data center is projected to bolster the local economy, which has recently seen growth with the opening of Generac Power Systems’ new factory. This 350,000 square-foot facility has moved manufacturing jobs from Mexico and other states to Beaver Dam, illustrating the area’s shifting industrial landscape.

Data centers like the one planned in Beaver Dam perform essential functions for daily life, covering everything from social media channels to online banking services. Similar developments are already underway in Wisconsin, including a notable $3.3 billion Microsoft project in Mount Pleasant. A Bloomberg News report has indicated that the data center in Beaver Dam may be developed by Meta, Facebook’s parent company, at a projected cost nearing $1 billion.

Impact on Infrastructure and Community Concerns

While the data center will create a limited number of permanent jobs in data technology, it is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs. However, the facility’s projected water consumption of up to 300,000 gallons per day has raised concerns within the community, as this level is comparable to that of food processing facilities.

Strategically located near existing infrastructure, including a substantial Walmart distribution center, the site holds promise for increased taxable property values and potential job attraction aimed at retaining younger residents. Local leaders have also put agreements in place to protect taxpayers in the event the project fails to advance as expected.

Community Sentiment and Future Developments

Despite economic benefits, residents in Beaver Dam express mixed feelings regarding the data center. Some residents are anxious about the transformation of rural landscapes and the impact on their quality of life. Harmony Baptist Church, located near the site, has chosen to remain in its location instead of selling to developers, indicating resistance from parts of the community.

Eric Schoenberg, a nearby resident, reflects a common local attitude of concern about urban expansion encroaching into rural territories. As the city experiences this transformative period after 184 years, community leaders are advocating for careful consideration of how resources like the power grid and local water supply will be affected by the development.

Conclusion

Beaver Dam stands at a crossroads as it embarks on this significant data center development. While the potential for economic growth and modern technological infrastructure is evident, the community is faced with the challenge of balancing these advantages against the preservation of their rural heritage and quality of life.

FAQ

Key Features of the Beaver Dam Data Center Development

Feature	Description
Site Area	830 acres
Expected Jobs	Thousands of construction jobs; couple dozen permanent tech jobs
Estimated Cost	Approximately $1 billion
Water Consumption	Up to 300,000 gallons per day
Proximity to Infrastructure	Near a 1.2 million square-foot Walmart distribution center

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Additional Resources

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Beaver Dam Data Center Transformation
• WKOW: Beaver Dam Data Center Plans
• Daily Dodge: Update on Data Center Site
• Wikipedia: Data Center
• Google Search: Beaver Dam data center