Proposed data center development in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, July 30, 2025
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is set for a major transformation with the pending development of a data center on an 830-acre site previously used for farming. The facility, rumored to be developed by Meta, aims to support advanced technologies while raising concerns about the impact on local resources and community landscapes. Local businesses, such as Cantafio’s Buckhorn Supper Club, are expected to remain operational during the transition. Although the project promises economic benefits, residents are divided on its implications for quality of life and local resources.
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is poised for significant transformation as preparations unfold for a major data center development on an 830-acre site, previously home to farmland where livestock once grazed. Although the project has yet to be officially announced, construction preparations signal an impending shift in the local landscape.
Local business owner Joe Cantafio has confirmed that his establishment, Cantafio’s Buckhorn Supper Club, will remain operational despite the development. The transition from farmland to data center will see farmland owners receiving approximately $20,000 or more per acre for their properties.
The proposed data center aims to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. This facility is expected to consume up to 300,000 gallons of municipal water daily, a volume comparable to that of food processing plants. Located strategically near existing business infrastructure, including a 1.2 million square-foot Walmart distribution center, the site is well-positioned to foster economic growth.
Beaver Dam, a city with a population of around 16,000 residents located one hour northeast of Madison, is experiencing a wave of change in its 184-year history. Generac Power Systems recently opened a new factory in the area, which has contributed to local economic growth by transferring manufacturing jobs back to Beaver Dam from Mexico and other states through its 350,000 square-foot facility.
The anticipated data center, estimated to cost nearly $1 billion, is rumored to be developed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and would join other ongoing data center projects in Wisconsin, including a significant $3.3 billion project by Microsoft in Mount Pleasant. While the data center is expected to create thousands of construction jobs, it may only provide a couple dozen permanent positions in data technology.
Despite the anticipated economic benefits, which include increased taxable property values and potential job attraction, local leaders remain concerned about the impact on community resources such as the power grid and water supply. Many residents harbor mixed feelings regarding the project’s implications, particularly the loss of rural landscapes and its potential effects on quality of life.
Local legislation now supports data center development through tax increment district exemptions for projects, further paving the way for the proposed facility. Harmony Baptist Church, located near the site, has chosen to remain in its current location rather than sell to the developer, reflecting the commitment of some community members to maintain their roots in the area.
As the development progresses, it will inevitably reshape Beaver Dam, raising ongoing discussions about urban expansion into rural areas and the balance between technological advancement and community preservation.
A major data center is set to be developed on an 830-acre site that was previously farmland.
The development is rumored to be led by Meta, the parent company of Facebook.
Local businesses like Cantafio’s Buckhorn Supper Club will continue to operate amidst the development changes.
The data center is anticipated to increase taxable property values and create thousands of construction jobs, though only a few dozen permanent tech jobs.
The center is projected to consume around 300,000 gallons of municipal water daily, similar to food processing plants.
Residents express concerns over the loss of rural landscapes, potential impacts on quality of life, and the strain on local resources.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (830-acre site) |
| Current Use | Former farmland |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately $1 billion |
| Developer | Rumored to be Meta (Facebook) |
| Water Usage | Up to 300,000 gallons per day |
| Jobs Created | Thousands of construction jobs; a few dozen permanent tech jobs |
| Business Impact | Local businesses to remain operational |
| Community Concerns | Impact on rural landscapes, resources, and quality of life |
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