DC BLOX Thunderbird Data Center in Indianapolis
About the Project
DC BLOX is planning a data center site in Indianapolis to support the growing demand for digital infrastructure across the Midwest. The project is geared for smaller-scale applications including regional network communications and local data processing and is not a large hyperscale AI facility.
The Thunderbird Commerce Center is a redevelopment of the former Ford Visteon manufacturing site in the Indianapolis area. The site housed a major automotive components factory established in 1956-1957. The factory ultimately closed in 2007 and was demolished in 2017. The site was acquired in 2021 and renamed the Thunderbird Commerce Center with the intent to repurpose it for logistics, manufacturing, and job creation in the Indianapolis area.
The DC BLOX data center planned for one of the site parcels will be a low-impact, high tax revenue facility that will help bring greater access to many of the digital services we use every day — and our people-first approach fosters long-term partnerships that benefit every community we serve.
Images of a similar project by DC BLOX
Thunderbird Commerce Center Project Details
The overall project consists of three buildings of a total of 281,868 square feet (building footprint) on 32.4 acres. The project will be delivered in two phases over approximately four years starting with a one-story, 70,180 square foot building.
At full build-out, the campus will employ approximately 35 full-time, high-wage operations staff.
Project Status & Timeline
Our Indianapolis project is currently in the evaluation phase. As plans progress, DC BLOX will share updates with the community while working with local officials and regulatory agencies.
What to Expect During Development & After
Once approved, construction would occur in phases over approximately four years. DC BLOX will work closely with local officials and contractors to minimize disruption and maintain safe, efficient job sites. Once operational, the facility runs quietly and securely, with a small on-site team managing day-to-day operations.
Environmental Responsibility
DC BLOX designs and operates its facilities with a focus on energy efficiency and responsible resource use. We work with utilities and partners to optimize power usage and minimize environmental impact while supporting the region’s sustainability goals.
AES Indiana Statement on Energy Costs
Supporting Growth in Central Indiana with Transparency & Commitment
AES Indiana is planning for data center growth without raising energy costs for existing customers. As outlined in its commitment to transparency and responsible growth, the utility says its approach is designed to protect current residents and businesses from higher rates while supporting Central Indiana’s expanding energy needs. The company plans to spread infrastructure costs across increased electricity demand, rather than shifting those costs onto existing customers.
This approach has been reviewed through AES Indiana’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a public process that evaluates future demand and cost to ensure power is delivered safely, reliably, and affordably. AES Indiana’s plan supports growth while keeping current customer rates stable.
Addressing Common Questions & Concerns
Data centers are buildings where computer servers store, process, and deliver the information and services we rely on every day, from streaming movies to online shopping to telehealth appointments. Without data centers, modern life simply doesn’t work.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, DC BLOX has a long-established presence across the Southeastern United States, with data center developments in Atlanta, N. Augusta, Birmingham, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Greenville, Montgomery, Myrtle Beach, and Richmond.
While DC BLOX is new to the Midwest, the company brings a proven track record of partnering with communities to deliver long-term infrastructure investment, support regional connectivity, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Indianapolis offers strong connectivity, access to reliable power, and a growing technology ecosystem that makes it an attractive location for digital infrastructure investment. DC BLOX is exploring how this project could support the region’s continued economic and technological growth.
AES Indiana has publicly confirmed that existing customer rates are not expected to be negatively impacted per AES’s plan and IURC-reviewed process. In fact, by spreading fixed infrastructure costs over a larger customer base, data centers can help stabilize rates for all customers.
No. Unlike many data centers of the past, our data centers use either air cooled or closed-loop water cooling systems. Air cooled systems function similarly to conventional AC systems. Closed loop systems are filled once with utility water but then continuously recirculate the water throughout the system without the need to replenish its supply or to expel used water into the environment.
After the initial system load the projected annual water usage is similar to a typical office building (restrooms, kitchen, landscaping irrigation, etc.). In the case of a rare unforeseen mechanical issue, water will be disposed of per IDEM regulations and not discharged into the public wastewater system.
The selected site is currently zoned for heavy industrial use and this project will be significantly less impacting than alternative businesses that could occupy it. A sound study will be prepared by a qualified acoustic engineer demonstrating that noise levels at the property line will not exceed 65 decibels (equivalent to the noise level of a normal conversation at 3-5 feet).
Backup generators will be used only in the event of utility outages and monthly testing. Testing will not occur between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m and generally not on weekends nor holidays. The generators will operate strictly within the limits of the IDEM (Indiana Department of Environmental Management) air permit which ensures compliance with state and federal Clean Air Act regulations.
No. Data centers are simply climate-controlled computer facilities. The facilities will use no hazardous materials and generate no environmental waste. Backup diesel generators are used only during utility outages and brief monthly testing and conform to Indiana Department of Environmental Management regulations. While data centers emit some electromagnetic fields (EMFs), concrete construction significantly reduces emissions and levels are comparable to those found in typical office buildings.
Generates both direct and indirect jobs across construction, security, facility management, and technical operations.
Attracts new regional infrastructure providers to serve the area, driving long-term employment, investment, and regional economic growth.
Tax revenues will support local priorities.
Places a minimal burden on community services and infrastructure enabling nearly 100% of tax contributions to support county growth.
Provides long-term partnerships to benefit the local community. We are committed to supporting organizations, initiatives, and events that create meaningful impact in the local community.
At DC BLOX, we live by our values: Trust, Teamwork, Transparency.
Our Commitment to the Community
DC BLOX is committed to being a transparent and engaged partner throughout the evaluation and development process. We will work with local stakeholders, officials, and community members to share information, answer questions, and incorporate feedback where possible.
Community Benefits
Job Creation
Data centers create jobs across multiple phases, starting with construction roles such as contractors, trades, and project management. Once operational, they support skilled positions in facility management, engineering, security, and IT. They also drive indirect employment by creating demand for local vendors, service providers, and regional infrastructure, contributing to sustained economic activity over time.
Economic Growth
Data centers generate significant tax revenue, often among the highest per square foot of any commercial development. This revenue helps fund local priorities. Their presence also attracts additional businesses and development to the area, reinforcing broader economic growth over time.
Community Partnerships
Where DC BLOX builds and operates, benefits to the community follow. We actively engage with local stakeholders to understand community priorities and collaborate on programs that support education, workforce training, and regional development. Our approach is rooted in long-term partnership, ensuring our presence contributes positively to the communities we serve.
DC BLOX in Action
DC BLOX is commited to joining community and business leaders to support growth and collaboration where we build our data centers. Community partnerships are a cornerstone of our mission to serve locally and connect globally with the intent of building strong connections that extend beyond our data center facility into the community we serve. We are dedicated to supporting organizations, initiatives, and events that strengthen, advance education, promote innovation, and create meaningful local impact.
Tax Revenue & Public Investment
Data centers are among the most capital-intensive forms of development compared to other industries that could occupy the Thunderbird site. If developed, the proposed Indianapolis facility would generate new tax revenue through property taxes, sales taxes, and ongoing operations.
In addition to direct tax contributions, the project is expected to stimulate broader economic activity, further supporting local and regional tax revenues through job creation, vendor partnerships, and increased business activity.
Third Party Data Center Impact Reports
What is Driving the Need for More Data Centers?
We All Are.
A data center is a specialized facility that houses the “brains” of digital services: computers, software, and networking equipment that store, process, and transmit data. These facilities contain servers, storage systems, and network infrastructure that power the applications and services businesses, governments, and individuals rely on every day.
The growing demand for digital services is driving the need for expanded data center capacity. All the digital tools and services people rely on (such as internet browsing, online shopping, streaming services, social media, healthcare systems, emergency services, and more) depend on digital infrastructure to function. Anyone who uses the internet or a smartphone relies on data centers to access these services at work, home, and school.
As demand continues to increase, communities without sufficient digital infrastructure may experience slower service performance, reduced reliability, and could face limitations in accessing new applications and technologies in the future. Continued investment in local data centers helps ensure that local businesses, public institutions, and residents have reliable access to the digital services that are essential to our daily lives.
Tell Us What You Think
As we introduce this project to the Indianapolis community, we are committed to transparency and thoughtful engagement every step of the way. We welcome your questions, comments, and concerns. Your insights help us align the project with local priorities and deliver long-term value to the community.