2 Million-Square-Foot Project Baccara Data Center Endorsed for Approval in Maricopa County, Arizona

Why It Matters

The development would significantly boost Arizona’s data‑center capacity, positioning the state as a new hub for cloud and AI workloads, while community pushback highlights growing regulatory and environmental scrutiny for megaprojects.

Key Takeaways

• Project Baccara spans ~2 million sq ft, two data centers.
• Includes 700 MW natural‑gas plant for on‑site power.
• Planning commission endorsed; Board of Supervisors decides in May.
• Local opposition gathered 6,472 signatures, 1,400 Facebook members.

Pulse Analysis

Project Baccara, a 2‑million‑square‑foot hyperscale data‑center campus, has been recommended for approval by Maricopa County’s planning and zoning commission. Backed by DigitalBridge and developed by Takanock, the site will host two one‑million‑square‑foot facilities and a 700 MW natural‑gas power plant, positioning it as a major addition to Arizona’s emerging data‑center corridor. The proximity to Luke Air Force Base triggers a military‑compatibility review, while the county Board of Supervisors will make the final decision in early May. The development could generate hundreds of construction jobs and long‑term technical positions.

The scale of Baccara reflects the accelerating demand for cloud and artificial‑intelligence workloads that require massive, low‑latency infrastructure. By coupling on‑site generation with 700 MW of natural‑gas capacity, Takanock aims to guarantee power reliability and reduce dependence on the regional grid, a strategy also seen in the $33 billion Vermaland La Osa campus slated for 3 GW of capacity. Arizona’s favorable climate, tax incentives, and abundant land are drawing developers seeking to challenge Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” potentially reshaping the United States’ hyperscale geography. Such self‑sufficient designs also appeal to enterprises wary of grid instability during extreme heat events.

Despite its economic promise, Baccara faces mounting community resistance; a Change.org petition has attracted more than 6,400 signatures and a local Facebook group counts 1,400 members. Opponents cite concerns over water usage, traffic congestion, and the environmental footprint of a large gas‑fired plant. The outcome of the Board of Supervisors vote will signal how quickly Arizona can balance growth with sustainability, and may set a precedent for other megaprojects seeking military‑compatibility permits. Investors will be watching closely as regulatory risk becomes a key factor in data‑center valuations.