Microsoft's Cherry Valley Data Center Purchase in Illinois Faces Delays
Microsoft's acquisition of nearly 340 acres in Cherry Valley, Illinois, for a potential data center is facing delays, with construction originally planned for summer 2026 now uncertain due to rising costs and material price fluctuations. The company has invested at least $32.3 million and secured a special use permit, which could lead to the creation of 300 high-tech jobs by 2030 to support Azure cloud services. Currently, the site remains in agricultural use as Microsoft assesses its next steps, including applying for building permits.

Microsoft has acquired nearly 340 acres in Cherry Valley, Illinois, for a potential data center, investing at least $32.3 million. The company secured a special use permit for light industrial uses but has not moved forward with construction plans.
The data center could create 300 high-tech jobs by 2030 to support Azure cloud computing services. However, plans for construction, originally scheduled for summer 2026, are now uncertain due to concerns over construction costs and material price fluctuations. The site remains in agricultural use as Microsoft evaluates the situation, with the next step being the application for building permits.




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