Here’s what to know about the ‘research computing center’ planned for Midtown in Milwaukee

Part of the old Walmart site at Midtown Shopping Center on Milwaukee’s north side is set to be converted into a “research computing center.”

The proposal is not for a massive AI training data center like the state has seen elsewhere, including in Port Washington. 

“This is small scale — the developer nor the city have used the term data center with respect to what’s been filed,” a high-level City Hall source told the Milwaukee Courier. “This is nothing like we’ve seen in Port Washington.”

According to the legislative file, this proposal is described as a “Data Processing/Computer Services/Computer research facility.” 

The new facility is set to occupy 19,000 square feet, less than 20% of the site, which will also feature a new Milwaukee Public Library, affordable housing and self storage. 

Notice of a public hearing before the City Plan Commission spread on social media on May 13 due to a news release from the city, but the item has since been struck from the agenda.

Data centers have become a tense political issue with those opposed citing the harm the centers can have on the environment, through energy and water use.

The proposal states the facility would use conventional A/C systems rather than large-scale evaporative water systems that are often associated with large AI centers. The proposal states the system will have the normal noise impact of a traditional HVAC unit. Generators will be used in the case of blackouts. 

“They would not use an enormous amount of energy or water,” a source said. 

There currently are data centers in Milwaukee. Wisconsin has 21, including one owned by Potawatomi Ventures near 31st and Highland. That data center is 46,000 square feet, over twice the size of the proposed facility at Midtown. 

The City Plan Commission would need to approve the facility as the site is currently not properly zoned for it. The Common Council will need to approved affordable housing plans.

Ald. Mark Chambers, whose district the Midtown Shopping Center is in, released a statement on May 14. 

“‘Data centers’ are a couple of very bad words these days. They conjure images of grey buildings covering thousands of acres, creating nuisance levels of noise, and taxing local water supplies and other resources. The development proposed for Midtown Center includes nothing even close,” Chambers wrote.

Chambers added he wants input from constituents and plans to hold a community event before a decision is made. 

Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s office says he is aware of the proposal and wants to see the vetting process play out.