Ferguson Residents Voice Concerns Over Emerson Campus Development Proposal

Residents in Ferguson, Missouri, are concerned about a proposed development at the former Emerson complex, which aims to create an entrepreneurial hub with a data center. SSL Investments plans to invest $1.8 billion in renovations and maintain the site's LEED Gold certified data center. The project, which seeks a 15-year tax abatement, has met with skepticism from residents regarding its potential benefits and environmental impact.

Published Mar 20, 2026

Ferguson, Missouri, residents expressed concerns about a proposed development at the former Emerson campus, now mostly vacant since Emerson's relocation in 2023. SSL Investments, led by Jim Onder, plans to invest $1.8 billion to create an entrepreneurial hub with a data center.

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The current data center is LEED Gold certified, and Onder aims to maintain this standard. However, the project seeks a 15-year tax abatement, raising concerns among residents about its benefits and environmental impact. City officials announced future public meetings to address these issues.