DC BLOX Thunderbird Data Center in Indianapolis
Notice of Public Hearing Metropolitan Development Commission
The meeting date has changed to June 11, 2026 at 1:00PM at 200 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN.
Warren Township Community Meeting Presentation from May 21, 2026
April 27 Town Hall Meeting Summary (corrected)
DC BLOX Responses to Questions from Warren Township Community Meeting hosted by Councilor Michael-Paul Hart on May 21, 2026
About the Project
Project at a Glance
Proposed location: Thunderbird Commerce Center, Indianapolis
Site info: Former industrial/manufacturing property
Proposed development: Three data center buildings across two phases
Estimated capital investment: $2.0–$2.2 billion
Construction jobs: Up to 600 at peak construction
Current status: Evaluation/permitting/public engagement
Community input: Feedback form and petition available
DC BLOX is planning a data center site in Indianapolis to support the growing demand for digital infrastructure across the Midwest. The phase 1 project is geared toward providing network communications and local data processing. The applications for phase 2 are still to be defined.
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 site is zoned I3 – Medium Industrial. DC BLOX’s data centers are typically classified and approved in Light Industrial zoned locations. DC BLOX is proposing to reduce the number of planned parking spaces from 420 to 100 at the site to minimize asphalt paving.
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.
Preliminary rendering of the data center at full build-out
Thunderbird Commerce Center Project Details
As shown on the attached data center site plan, the campus will include:
A one-story 80,000 +/- square foot data center
A two-story 140,000 +/- square foot data center
A two-story 190,000 +/- square foot data center
The project will be constructed over two phases with the first phase of construction to begin immediately upon variance and replat approval. The first phase will be the one-story 80K SF building; and is expected to be completed within 24 months. The second phase of construction will be comprised of the two larger buildings and will likely begin construction in two years and be completed in four years.
Publicly Submitted Documents
Construction Jobs
The DC BLOX data center will employ 600 workers at the peak of construction. Labor costs are estimated to be approximately $320 million of the $800 million for total construction. DC BLOX is committed to working with local labor unions to support the development of this project.
Union Support LetterProject 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. And with a history of heavy industry on the proposed site, DC BLOX will fully comply with recently enhanced Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Environmental Restrictive Covenant (ERC) requirements.
Addressing Common Questions
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.
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.
Demand is being driven by the everyday digital services residents, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and public agencies rely on.
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.
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.
During construction, nearby residents may notice construction traffic, equipment activity, and phased site work. DC BLOX will coordinate with local officials and contractors to maintain safe site operations and minimize disruption. Once operational, the data center is expected to have limited daily traffic, quiet operations, and a small on-site team. Noise, generator testing, air permitting, and site operations will be managed in accordance with applicable local and state requirements.
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.
Significant 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.
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.
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 will be among the largest property-tax contributors in Warren Township/Marion County.
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.
Our Commitment to the Community
As the Indianapolis project advances, DC BLOX will continue engaging with Warren Township residents, Marion County officials, local labor representatives, business organizations, and community stakeholders to understand priorities and identify ways the project can provide long-term local value.
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 committed 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.
At DC BLOX, we live by our values: Trust, Teamwork, Transparency.
AES Indiana Statement on Energy Costs
Supporting Growth in Central Indiana with Transparency & Commitment
According to AES Indiana, its planning approach is intended to support data center growth while protecting existing customers from cost shifts. AES Indiana states that its strategy is designed to spread infrastructure costs across increased electricity demand rather than placing those costs on current residents and businesses.
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.
All Submitted Documents & Letters of Support
Notice of Public Hearing Metropolitan Development Commission
Full Legal NoticeWarren Township Community Meeting Presentation from May 21, 2026
PresentationApril 27 Town Hall Meeting Summary (corrected)
Meeting summaryDC BLOX Responses to Questions from Warren Township Community Meeting hosted by Councilor Michael-Paul Hart on May 21, 2026
DC BLOX ResponsesPublicly Submitted Plan of Operation
Plan of OperationPublicly Submitted Statement of Commitments
Statement of CommitmentsConstruction Jobs
Union Support LetterEnvironmental Responsibility
Supplemental Environmental Letter to Hearing Examiner