Related Digital data center at former U.S. Steel South Works (Chicago)
Related announced a huge 1,000-megawatt data center next to the planned Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago's South Side. The developer now says a data center is not part of the first phase. Neighbors remain worried.
Where things stand: Related announced a 1-gigawatt data center in March 2025. In 2026 its developer said a data center is not part of the first phase of the quantum park. Plans are unclear.
🕒 Latest update (Aug 2026): Residents protested the neighboring quantum park, fearing a data center; Related Midwest said a data center is not part of the first phase.
What we know
- 📍 Where8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive (north part of the former South Works site, South Chicago), Chicago, Cook County
- 🏢 CompanyRelated Digital (Related Midwest)
- ⚡ Power it needs1,000 megawatts (about as much as 800,000 homes)
❓ Still unanswered
Nobody has answered these in public yet. Can you help find out?
- Is the 1-gigawatt data center at South Works still planned? 🙋 I'll find out
- If it is built, how much water and power would it use? 🙋 I'll find out
What happened so far
- March 2025Related announced a 1-gigawatt data center for the north side of the 440-acre South Works site.
- Aug 2026Residents protested the neighboring quantum park, fearing a data center; Related Midwest said a data center is not part of the first phase.
Local votes and rules
📌 Other
Mayor signed Executive Order 2026-5. It adds a review of power, water, backup generators, air pollution and noise for new data centers, and asks the city council to pass a temporary pause. Air and noise rules are due about November 9, 2026; a task force reports by March 15, 2027.
An aerial photo of the area.
Where this comes from
- Inside the Pritzkers' 'Quantum Prairie' · Chicago Reader · 2026
- Data centers are popping up all over Chicago. Here's where — and why they're controversial · Block Club Chicago · Aug 12, 2026
- Locals rally against Chicago quantum park; company commits to no data center · Associated Press (via News-Shield) · Aug 2026
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