Bluebird Network has begun an expansion of its Bluebird Underground Data Center, located in a Springfield Missouri underground mine. The expansion design is underway and the project will go to bid in late May.

This expansion represents an additional 4,700 sq ft of white space, bringing the total to 22,300 sq ft. The entire data center currently occupies 80,000 sq ft of mine space, with the remaining space being dedicated to critical mechanical and electrical support systems.

In addition to the increased white space, the expansion includes a third 2MW generator, another Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system and a 10,000 gallon auxiliary fuel storage tank. With these improvements, the Bluebird Underground Data Center can independently operate for up to four days on generator power, deliver additional A/B power to its customers and improve the overall operational performance of the data center.

All elements of this expansion will be located underground, continuing its’ design strategy of placing all critical mechanical and electrical systems underground to ensure operational stability. This unique approach leverages the full protection provided by the data center’s natural surroundings, ensuring the best shield from both natural and unnatural disasters.

This expansion is the second of three planned since Bluebird Network acquired the data center in 2014. The first expansion, completed in 2016, added approximately 4,000 sq ft of white space. The third expansion will represent approximately 7,000 sq ft of additional white space in the future.

“This expansion will increase the physical size of the data center and will augment our current processes to make the facility stronger,” says Michael Morey, president and CEO, Bluebird Network. “We will provide space to meet increased demand while enhancing our overall services.”