In the red-hot data center market of northern Virginia, PowerHouse Data Centers is making waves with its ambitious expansion plans. The company has recently embarked on a mission to transform a historic 43-acre plot in Sterling, Virginia, once the home of AOL headquarters, into a cutting-edge hyperscale data center campus named PowerHouse Pacific.
A Nod to History
The historical significance of this location to the digital world is significant: it served as AOL’s headquarters during the internet’s early days, witnessing the company’s meteoric rise into a billion-dollar dynamo in the industry. Subsequently, it hosted tech giants like Yahoo! and Verizon, both also pivotal players in the internet’s development.
Now, as PowerHouse Data Centers takes the reins, it aims to propel this property into the next era of the internet. The creation of a cutting-edge powered shell for hyperscale hosting demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital revolution.
A Glimpse into the Future
The new PowerHouse Pacific project will see the construction of three high-performance buildings, spanning a colossal 1.2 million square feet in total, alongside the development of a new power substation. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to cater to hyperscalers, data center operators, and multinational companies seeking top-tier data center solutions.
The journey to PowerHouse Pacific’s realization is well underway. Demolition of existing structures on the site commenced recently and includes the removal of two multi-story parking structures, three office buildings, a mail hub, and a long-disused pedestrian bridge stretching across Pacific Boulevard. The transformation is in full swing, with the goal of breathing new life into this historic location.
Building a Sustainable Future
PowerHouse Data Centers is not just focused on development; it’s also committed to sustainability. In preparation for the demolition, the team meticulously extracted tons of materials from each building. Ceilings, floors, and walls were stripped bare to salvage wires, pipes, and other recyclable elements. All recyclable building materials and metal were sent for processing, while concrete will be processed for reuse onsite, minimizing waste sent to landfills and reducing the environmental impact.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond construction materials. Usable furniture and office components have been donated to support local causes. PowerHouse even contributed kitchen equipment to the Dulles South Soup Kitchen in Loudoun County, ensuring that the legacy of this site includes positive contributions to the community.
As PowerHouse Pacific takes shape, it’s clear that PowerHouse Data Centers is not just building data centers; they’re constructing a brighter, more sustainable digital future. Stay tuned on PowerHouse’s LinkedIn and Twitter feeds as they continue to pave the way for innovation in Data Center Alley and beyond.