Google Plans $3 Billion Data Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma

STILLWATER, Okla. — Google has announced plans to develop a massive data center campus in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma. The company submitted an application for an ‘AI data center campus’ on March 12, with an expected investment of up to $3 billion.

The project aims to occupy 400 acres of land situated north of the former Armstrong facility at the intersection of Perkins and Richmond Roads. Mayor Will Joyce expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Google choosing Stillwater is a testament to the strength of our economy, our workforce, and our commitment to community investment.” He added that this venture is a collaborative effort among various stakeholders, including the City and the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

The proposal to develop this data center campus has been in discussions for over six months, with early plans suggesting the construction of six buildings. Each phase of construction is projected to encompass 300,000 square feet, with the applicant noted as a “leading company specializing in artificial intelligence and data processing,” represented by Kipper LLC, a subsidiary of Google.

As part of the agreement, Google will initially be exempt from property taxes but will compensate the city with direct payments, estimated to reach nearly $900,000 for local public schools, the Meridian Technology Center, and county governmental services. Deadline for ground-breaking and completion dates remains unconfirmed.

City Manager Brady Moore emphasized the partnership’s aim for an efficient development process. “City administration and staff will continue to work closely with Google throughout the development phase,” he said. “We look forward to the successful implementation of the project and the positive economic impact they will have on our community.”

Stillwater’s local economy is set to benefit significantly from this project, echoing prior development successes, including Google’s existing data center campus in Pryor, which has operated since 2011. In total, the new project is predicted to create approximately 30 to 36 high-paying jobs at each data center.

The state of Oklahoma has been striving to attract data centers, with Governor Kevin Stitt noting the appeal of its “affordable and reliable grid.” While Oklahoma has not traditionally been a hub for data centers, interest is increasing, with announcements from several other tech firms regarding similar projects.