Eagan approves plan change to retain data center at West Publishing redevelopment site

Eagan, Minn. — On May 6 the Eagan City Council approved a plan development amendment and a preliminary subdivision that allow an existing data center on the former West Publishing (Thomson Reuters) campus to remain and be renovated as a carrier‑neutral interconnection facility.

Staff told the council the change retains one existing building in the South Industrial Area of the larger redevelopment and updates the site plan and utility, grading and stormwater plans. The proposed data center operator plans to run the building 24 hours a day with minimal overnight staffing and to use equal or less power, water and sewer than the prior user, staff said. The applicant proposed energy‑efficient electrical, lighting and mechanical upgrades and an eight‑foot black steel security fence around the lot.

Ryan Companies’ representative Peter Fitzgerald and Chris Machin, representing the prospective data‑center user (Project Vanderbilt), answered council questions about use. Machin described an interconnection facility as a neutral location where content providers and carriers exchange traffic so content can reach users locally; he said the applicant has engaged carriers planning long‑haul routes and expects the building to host multiple long‑haul connections.

The Advisory Planning Commission held a public hearing April 22 and recommended approval. Councilors moved to approve the plan development amendment and the preliminary subdivision to create one lot and an outlot on about 40.57 acres south of Opperman Drive and west of Highway 149; both motions passed on voice votes. Staff noted cross‑access easements will be recorded for site driveways and that the proposal includes a deviation to create a lot without public-street frontage; access will use a slightly realigned existing driveway connecting to Opperman.

Discussion: Council members asked about access easements and whether the east access to Highway 149 was existing; staff and the applicant confirmed existing right‑in/right‑out access. The applicant confirmed the plan will add about 31 net trees and a new parking lot and trash enclosure, and that landscaping will be installed in disturbed areas.

Decision: Council approved both the preliminary plan development amendment and the preliminary subdivision. Staff will incorporate APC conditions and record required easements as development proceeds.

Ending note: No members of the public spoke on this agenda item at the meeting.