Ascent has announced plans to build the CH3 Data Center in downtown Chicago. Ascent will deploy its Dynamic Data Center Suite^SM model offering ultimately up to 50 MW of power, which provides enterprise users purpose-built space delivered in highly flexible and scalable data center suites.

CH3 is a multi-tenant data center development featuring build-to-suit infrastructure for companies seeking to build or lease wholesale data center space in a downtown location. The development can accommodate a wide range of design architectures empowering tenants to build out the power density, redundancy, and efficiency levels they require as well as benefit from low latency and Ascent’s onsite operational services.

“CH3 is incredibly flexible, unlike the standard multi-story data centers in Chicago, making it adaptable to new technology and server rack designs that some of the older constructions are unable to accommodate,” said Phil Horstmann, CEO of Ascent. “Downtown Chicago is an attractive location for data center space, but previously didn’t offer the options the market is now demanding. We're talking with companies about their current data center needs and developing CH3 to meet those market demands.”

The CH3 development marks Ascent’s third data center in the Chicago area, following the purpose-built single tenant Northlake project and CH2 also in Northlake, which is now well underway with three enterprise tenants. CH3 is similar to Ascent’s CH2 data center in that it offers customers flexible, fully dedicated autonomous suites built to their desired specifications. However, CH3 will also offer secure shared infrastructure options, which is an ideal solution for companies seeking downtown urban data center space at a lower cost.

Primary electrical service will be provided by ComEd, which provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across Northern Illinois, or 70% of the state's population. 

“Having worked with Ascent on powering two other large data center developments in the Chicago area, we are pleased to be working with Ascent on the delivery of reliable power to a third project, this time in the downtown market,” said Fidel Marquez, Senior Vice President, Governmental and External Affairs for ComEd. “The high-tech industry is experiencing significant growth in Chicago, and our ability to provide smart grid technology and industry-leading reliability in a state with a highly competitive electricity market makes Chicago an ideal location for mission-critical data center operations.”

Ascent has full capital backing for CH3 from current equity partners, enabling fast-tracked development of the space. Ascent is teaming with Chicago-based real estate investment and development company Sterling Bay Cos. on the project.