Chicago Landmark Building to Become Data Center | Chicago News

A Chicago investor is turning a historic Loop office building into a data center, sparking debate over preservation vs. practicality. Purchased for $4 million last year, the 300 West Adams Street building—nearly 60% vacant post-pandemic—will host servers on floors two through six, powered by new ComEd infrastructure and backup generators. While city landmark officials gave initial approval with conditions, preservationists warn this sets a dangerous precedent, urging adaptive reuse for affordable housing instead. City staff say the project complies with historic guidelines, and the investor argues it’s the only way to save the century-old structure. Meanwhile, the city navigates new environmental regulations for data centers—but this project sidesteps them, relying on existing zoning. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a0ecd0225edc01ea