Hunt Midwest Real Estate Development has announced plans to develop the first 40,000 sq ft phase of SubTech, its energy efficient and highly secure underground data center within SubTropolis, the world’s largest underground business complex. When complete, the first phase of SubTech will contain 100,000 sq ft of raised floor space.

With substantial grid capacity and low kWh costs, SubTech offers tenants capacity for future growth and electrical costs dramatically lower than other parts of the United States. The energy-efficient data center is a Tier 3 design with initial redundant electrical service of 30/megawatts/37.5mVA.

“We have put great effort into designing SubTech as a state-of-the-art facility,” said Ora Reynolds, president of Hunt Midwest. “Kansas Cityranks second in the United States for enterprise data center operating affordability. Power and fiber capacity are abundant. SubTech tenants will be able to take advantage of these benefits.”

SubTech provides a level of security unmatched by data centers located on the surface. The data center is a naturally “hardened” facility that is safe from natural disasters. In addition, it is designed with advanced technology for fire and systems monitoring. A 24x7 technical network operations center (NOC) staff will be on site monitoring systems and will be available to assist tenants at any hour.

“Hunt Midwest has successfully operated SubTropolis for more than 50 years and we are excited the company decided to expand operations to include a data center,” said Jill McCarthy, vice president business development with the Kansas City Area Development Council. “As home to Sprint’s world operational headquarters as well as AT&T regional facilities, this area is a focal point for both long-haul and transcontinental fiber networks. A deep IT talent pool adds to the benefits Kansas City offers data intensive operations,” added McCarthy.

SubTech has virtually unlimited space available for IT and raised floor operations. The facility will initially offer data center space ranging from 5,000 to 100,000 square feet, with the first 100,000 square feet of raised floor space built out in 20,000 square-foot modules. Following this first phase of raised floor data center space, SubTech can be expanded in standard modular increments.

“The sheer nature of SubTech’s underground location offers tenants maximum flexibility for expansion as demand dictates,” said Reynolds. “This modular approach makes it easier for companies to grow their space and defer significant capital costs.”