Data Centers

Meeting the Infrastructure Demands of the Digital Age

Description

Data centers are crucial for powering our connected world. These specialized facilities house computer systems, telecommunications equipment, and storage systems that enable cloud computing, content streaming, and countless other digital services. Gorove Slade is at the forefront of this infrastructure, bringing our extensive experience in transportation planning and engineering to bear on data center developments ranging from 114,000 to 23 million square feet, with ongoing planning for facilities approaching 50 million square feet. 

Our multi-disciplinary approach supports clients as they navigate the complex requirements of these facilities. We understand that power infrastructure, water resources, site selection, and geotechnical considerations often take precedence; however, transportation is still an important consideration. That’s why our experts work seamlessly with other technical teams to deliver services that encompass the full lifecycle of data center development, from initial entitlement support through operational design.  

Gorove Slade’s involvement typically begins during the entitlement process, where we assess transportation impacts and identify necessary improvements. While smaller individual facilities generally have minimal traffic impact and require limited transportation analysis, our team has observed an industry trend toward larger campus-style developments that present more complex planning opportunities. These campuses strategically cluster multiple buildings around a central power substation, creating efficient infrastructure hubs that maximize utility investments.

Our team then assists developers with trip generation memoranda, traffic impact studies, and jurisdiction-specific requirements critical to application submissions. For larger facilities, we coordinate with local authorities on necessary traffic mitigations. Our team can also design secure site access, including emergency vehicle accommodation and internal circulation patterns incorporating security gates and checkpoints. 

Drawing on years of specialized experience, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by data center development. Whether working with operators seeking long-term facilities or developers preparing sites for future sale, our team delivers tailored solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term operational requirements. We pride ourselves on helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments while ensuring their facilities meet the highest standards of security. 

Details

  • Client: Peterson Companies 
  • Location: Stafford, VA 
  • Size: Spanning 504 acres, this project will include 5.8 million square feet of data centers spread across 23 buildings and six substations
  • Land Use: Industrial 

        Spotlight: Stafford Technology Campus

        The Stafford Technology Campus exemplifies the transformative economic impact data centers can have on local communities. This landmark project demonstrates how data centers generate substantial tax revenue through both real estate and personal property taxation of the extensive computer equipment housed within. When completed, the campus will encompass 500 acres across four sub-campuses, with 19 data centers drawing committed power from six 300MW substations. The scale of this development is such that its largest building alone would represent the second-largest source of tax revenue in Stafford County, Virginia. 

        A key component of our firm’s contribution to this project was supporting the county in implementing a connector road linking Richmond Highway and Eskimo Hill Road. This infrastructure improvement, featuring a bridge spanning a deep ravine, helps minimize any negative impacts on local traffic. The project has garnered strong community support, highlighting how data centers can catalyze regional economic development with minimal disruption to the community. 

        Image courtesy of Bohler

        Relevant Services

        Studies

        Studies

        Design

        Design

        Entitlement

        Entitlement

        Planning

        Planning

        Relevant Team Members

        Kevin Sitzman, PE

        Kevin Sitzman, PE

        Vice President, Principal

        Mary Lee, PE, PTOE

        Mary Lee, PE, PTOE

        Senior Transportation Engineer

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