KENOSHA, Wis. — Microsoft has bought about 240 acres of land in Kenosha, officials announced on Monday.
The land, which is northwest of Interstate 94 and Highway 142, comes in addition to an investment by the company in Mount Pleasant last year.
In Dec. 2024, the City of Kenosha paved the way for data center development when it unanimously passed ordinances to attach and rezone the property.
Leaders called Microsoft’s latest investment in to the Badger State “a significant milestone.”
“Today marks a transformative moment for the City of Kenosha as we proudly welcome Microsoft to our community,” said City of Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala in a statement. “This groundbreaking investment solidifies Kenosha’s position as a hub for innovation and economic growth. Opportunities created by development of this land — from job creation to strengthening our local economy — will resonate for generations to come. We are honored to work with Microsoft and look forward to future opportunities to collaborate, including joint research initiatives, talent development programs, and community engagement activities.”
He said his administration has worked very hard on this, so he is personally proud to see his work come to fruition.
“This is really something that has started since my administration. So seeing that, getting through the zoning changes. Getting through the changes in including a data center in this type of zoning. Getting that trough council last month, its very fulfilling,” Bogdala told Spectrum News 1.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman said the area is already home to some great businesses; this will only add to that footprint.
“Seeing that grow and develop over the past year has been exciting. Now we will have that same type of development in Kenosha County to complement the other businesses we have in the area,” she said.
Officials said the new site will also enhance the state’s ability to support innovation and growth.
“In Wisconsin, we’re continuing our work to harness AI, advance critical sectors like manufacturing, biohealth and technology, and adapt to make sure our workforce, economy and state can meet the demands of the 21st Century,” said Gov. Tony Evers in the release. “We’re excited about Microsoft’s decision to continue investing in the southeastern part of our state, which I’m proud has been a key focus for our economic support, development and growth efforts.”
Other local leaders also applauded the investment.
Kenosha Area Business Alliance President Nicole Ryf said it shows the area is gaining international attention because of its “strategic location, productive workforce, strong infrastructure and pro-business climate.”
“…Kenosha County is fortunate to be in the heart of it all,” Ryf said in part in the release.
Microsoft invested $3.3 billion in funding for a new artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Mount Pleasant. Former President Joe Biden visited the state last year to highlight the accomplishment. The project is being built on land that was once slated for development by Foxconn. That project is expected to create 2,300 union construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs over time.
Officials did not release any further information about what the latest development would be for in Kenosha.