The state of Illinois has acquired 9.4 acres of land in the Dirksen Business Park located at 2900 Dotmar Drive to construct a new central computing facility for the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology.
The facility will house around 300 employees who will handle various aspects of the state’s IT infrastructure. The Rebuild Illinois capital plan allocated $80.5 million to the Capital Development Board to oversee the project’s design and construction. The state purchased the property for $1.55 million.
“As governor, I’ve sought to bring efficiency and modernization to state government, and this new data center is a key asset in that endeavor,” said Pritzker. “Through this new facility, we’re enhancing the State of Illinois’ digital infrastructure and doing so while bringing hundreds of new jobs to the east side of Springfield. I want to recognize Senator Doris Turner for her leadership in bringing this development to the region.”
A press release issued by the state referred to the current downtown computing facility as “inefficient and dated.”
“With the evolution of technology and DoIT’s continuing modernization of digital assets, the current data center has grown less suitable for our needs,” said Jennifer Ricker, acting secretary for DoIT. "A modern, efficient, and secure data center will allow Illinois to continue to be a leader in technology and innovation.”
State Senator Doris Turner, D-Springfield, described the relocation of the central computing facility as a “game changer for the east side of Springfield,” noting she previously represented the area when she served on the Springfield City Council.
“The new data center will spur additional economic development to the area and expand our technological opportunities. I am proud and thankful that Governor Pritzker is prioritizing Springfield in the ambitious Rebuild Illinois Project,” she said.
Exp U.S. Services will serve as the architect of record. The state announced that the new facility will “achieve, at a minimum, LEED Silver Certification for data centers.”
No timeline has been announced for construction of the new facility.
