I’m always excited when something big is on the horizon for Evanston—and the upcoming data center development near town is one of those projects with serious potential. As someone who works closely with buyers, sellers, and investors, I can tell you this isn’t just a tech announcement. It’s a long-term signal of confidence in our region and a chance for Evanston to gain new momentum as a connected, innovative, and investment-friendly community. Whether you're planning to sell, invest, or simply want to understand the local landscape, this project is one to watch.
Key Takeaways
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Learn what the upcoming Evanston-area data center project means for the region
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Explore how it could impact housing demand and real estate values
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Understand what’s planned—and what it means for long-term growth
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See how smart buyers and sellers can plan around future development
What We Know About the Data Center Project
While the project isn’t operational yet, plans are underway for a massive data center campus on 58 acres near Aspen Mountain, southeast of Evanston. Developed by Prometheus Hyperscale, this project could deliver more than 1 gigawatt of capacity—putting our region on the tech industry’s radar in a big way.
Key Details as Publicly Shared
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Located near Interstate 80 for accessibility and transport logistics
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Energy model includes net-zero design using natural gas + carbon capture
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Construction is phased and expected to develop over the next several years
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The facility will likely support hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure
How Projects Like This Impact Local Markets
Data centers often operate quietly—but their ripple effects are real. From early infrastructure investment to new jobs and service demand, these types of projects tend to stimulate economic activity in surrounding communities. In a smaller city like Evanston, the scale of this project could gradually impact everything from housing to local business.
What May Be Affected Over Time
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Potential job creation in tech-adjacent fields like construction, operations, and energy
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Future demand for rental housing and workforce housing nearby
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Opportunities for small business growth in hospitality, retail, and services
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Increased visibility for Evanston as a smart-growth, innovation-ready city
Real Estate Considerations for Buyers and Sellers
Right now, there’s no housing boom happening—but there is interest building. This project puts Evanston on the map for long-term investors, developers, and out-of-state buyers looking for growth-adjacent opportunities. For homeowners and sellers, it’s a good time to stay informed and understand how proximity to the development may influence future value.
Strategic Considerations for Property Owners
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Homes with strong infrastructure access—fiber internet, reliable utilities—may rise in appeal
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Proximity to transportation corridors like I-80 could matter more for future buyers
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Listings in stable neighborhoods with room to grow may gain traction as visibility increases
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Smart improvements now could position your property for a more competitive future
Community Growth With an Eye on Balance
One thing I love about Evanston is how we grow without losing who we are. Even as development interest grows, the city remains committed to preserving open space, protecting the local pace of life, and making smart decisions about expansion. This project is big—but it’s also being developed in phases, with sustainability and infrastructure top of mind.
What Evanston Is Doing Right
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Encouraging development near existing access points instead of sprawling outward
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Collaborating with regional energy, infrastructure, and business leaders
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Staying focused on high-efficiency, low-impact growth strategies
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Emphasizing long-term livability for residents—not just fast development
What to Watch in the Coming Year
Construction timelines are still unfolding, but early-stage planning and partnerships are already underway. For local homeowners, the most important thing is to stay informed. While this won’t change Evanston overnight, it could shape demand, pricing, and interest over the next few years—and early movers are often best positioned.
Smart Moves to Consider Now
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Watch neighborhood inventory levels and price changes in 2025 and beyond
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If you're thinking of selling, plan improvements that boost long-term value (like tech readiness or exterior updates)
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Buyers should look at homes within 10–15 minutes of future job sites or planned infrastructure
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Keep an eye on local news and city council updates for development-related zoning or service expansions
FAQs
Is the data center already operating in Evanston?
Not yet. The project is in the development phase and will likely be built in stages over several years.
Will the data center bring people to Evanston?
It’s expected to. Between direct hires and supporting industries, the project could drive new residents and increased demand for housing and services.
Is now a good time to buy or sell based on this project?
If you’re planning a move, this is a good time to plan ahead. Evanston is still relatively affordable, and being early in the cycle can be a strategic advantage.
Contact Britany Erickson Today
I’m here to help you make sense of what this new development could mean for your
Evanston real estate goals. Whether you’re preparing to list your home, explore the market as a buyer, or invest in long-term opportunities, I’ll guide you with local knowledge and a grounded understanding of what’s really happening.
Reach out to me,
Britany Erickson, and let’s talk about how to position yourself for what’s next. From early planning to smart negotiations, I’ll help you navigate the Evanston market with confidence and clarity—no hype, just insight.
*Header photo by Britany Erickson
