LightEdge colocation data center (Boone Business Park)
LightEdge, a Des Moines company, wants to build a regional 'colocation' data center where businesses rent server space for banks, hospitals and local firms. It signed a letter of intent for 10 acres in the Boone Business Park. Its earlier idea for the Ames airport was put on hold by Ames.
Where things stand: Letter of intent to buy 10 acres; final site not chosen. Ames delayed LightEdge's earlier airport proposal.
🕒 Latest update (2026): Boone County Economic Growth Corporation signed a letter of intent to sell LightEdge 10 acres in the Boone Business Park.
What we know
- 📍 WhereBoone Business Park, south of Highway 30, Boone, Boone County
- 🏢 CompanyLightEdge Solutions LLC
- 🌳 Size10 acres
- 🔌 Where the power comes fromAlliant Energy
- ❄️ Coolingclosed-loop water system (company says no daily water for cooling)
- 💸 Tax breaksCompany asked for no tax incentives.
❓ Still unanswered
Nobody has answered these in public yet. Can you help find out?
- Is LightEdge still pursuing the Ames airport site too? 🙋 I'll find out
- How much power would the Boone building use? 🙋 I'll find out
What happened so far
- 2026Boone County Economic Growth Corporation signed a letter of intent to sell LightEdge 10 acres in the Boone Business Park.
Local votes and rules
📌 Other
Ames's council put off a decision on LightEdge's request to lease 10.86 acres of city airport land for a data center (up to 25 megawatts) for about nine months, while it studies rules on zoning, noise and utilities. In August it set up a data center study committee and named members in September. At a June listening session most people opposed the project.
An aerial photo of the area.
Where this comes from
- Boone County Economic Growth Corporation Executive Board Enters Preliminary Agreement for Colocation Facility · Ames Economic Development Commission
- Iowa communities grapple with regulating data centers as development spreads · Business Record · Sept 11, 2026
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