Google has announced the acquisition of an ongoing data center development in Michigan City, Indiana, known as Project Maize.
Google’s data centers power the backbone of the digital economy, supporting essential services in healthcare, banking, education, and government. We embrace the responsibility that comes with this role—building thoughtfully, investing locally, and operating with unwavering transparency.
Google has a strong track record of developing state-of-the-art facilities that invest in local communities, strengthen infrastructure, and align with long-term economic and environmental goals.
Simply put, Google approaches data centers differently—and we’re excited about the opportunity this project brings. We encourage you to take a closer look at how this investment can support growth and make a positive impact in the community.
We aim to replenish more water than we consume and improve water quality and ecosystem health in the communities where we operate. In 2021, we announced our goal to replenish 120% of the freshwater volume we consume, on average, across our offices and data centers by 2030, and to help restore and improve water quality and ecosystem health in the communities where we operate.
We support replenishment initiatives in watersheds that Google offices and data centers rely on, focusing on regions with high water scarcity and ensuring positive change where it’s needed most. We are partnering with The Nature Conservancy to incentivize the adoption of cover crops as a water quality best management practice. Administered through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture - Risk Management Agency, eligible growers in the Maumee, Upper Wabash and Lake Michigan watersheds of Indiana will be offered a discount on their crop insurance premium to expand soil health practices and promote the use of cover.
Data center cooling options are evaluated based on the water scarcity and depletion risk to determine the responsible water use for the area. Water consumption on the site, besides typical bathrooms, is derived from an air-cooled chilled water system. This is a closed loop system which means that the system is charged or filled once and only loses a percentage that needs to be made up. The local Michigan City Water department has confirmed ample water for this project.
Future evaluation of an evaporative cooling solution remains a consideration subject to the current capacity and availability of water and wastewater by the City at the time. Google is committed to advancing responsible water use at our data centers.
The project will bear the cost of any infrastructure upgrades needed to exclusively support the project and ensure service to existing customers on the system is not adversely impacted,
Sanitary discharge will be from the typical use of toilets/sinks/etc. from the site. In the event the chilled water system needed to be drained, which should not occur unless there is a failure to the system, the project has included drain/hose locations that can do a controlled discharge to the local wastewater treatment plant. The existing localized and regional systems are more than adequate for this use with the former manufacturing plant having a large discharge rate.
The project will bear the cost of any infrastructure upgrades needed to exclusively support the project and ensure service to existing customers on the system is not adversely impacted.
In the event of natural disasters or power outages, emergency generators provide backup power necessary to maintain critical operations.
Limited non-emergency testing is necessary to ensure the back-up generators are operating efficiently and to minimize air emissions. Generator permits and use are regulated by Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and in compliance with the federal EPA regulations.
Evaluations are done to determine the presence, if any, of any threatened and/or endangered species. To the extent any are found, they are avoided in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Storm water calculations have been engineered for the site in partnership with EMH&T, which will include a new storm drainage subgrade system and localized retention pond.
The Project is expected to result in $26.1M to the city by way of the following subject to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy for the initial adaptive re-use of the property:
This project is expected to create approximately 500 to 800 construction jobs. Once the site is operational, this site will create 30+ high-skill jobs, as well as facilities and maintenance support. Job postings will be advertised locally, prioritizing employment for the Michigan City community.
Google is committed to being an active, long-term partner in the community—working closely with local leaders, educators, and workforce organizations to identify opportunities that support growth and expand opportunity. As part of that effort, Google is engaging with Michigan City leaders to identify programs that serve local youth and prepare the next generation for in-demand careers.
Last year, Google provided funding to support the Electrical Training ALLIANCE and three Indiana-based electrical apprenticeship programs—helping build a skilled workforce pipeline and create pathways into high-quality, hands-on careers here in Indiana.
Google has also partnered with Ivy Tech Community College to host a competitive IT challenge for more than 100 students. Through this initiative, students gained real-world experience, and winners received Google-funded scholarships to continue pursuing careers in technology.
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