Google Takes Over Project Maize Data Center Development in Michigan City
April 20, 2026
Google has assumed control of the contentious Project Maize data center campus in Michigan City, Indiana, marking a significant step in the tech giant's expansion within the increasingly competitive Midwest data center market. The move underscores the strategic importance of Indiana, which is attracting billions in investment from cloud and AI infrastructure providers seeking favorable geography and economic conditions.
The Michigan City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) confirmed last week that Google acquired the project planned for 402 Royal Road. The development will involve a substantial investment of approximately $832 million to repurpose a long-vacant building, formerly occupied by the Federal Mogul Corp., which has been empty for over 15 years. The project, initially proposed in the first half of 2025, faced political hurdles after receiving tax exemptions from the EDC in early July 2025. Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch initially opposed the move, stating at the time that "the developer did not present any binding commitments that would ensure lasting benefits for Michigan City residents." However, the city's Common Council granted approval to the site's then-owner, Phoenix Investors, in September, paving the way for the current transaction.
Google has moved to address prior community concerns. Broderick Green, Google's data center public affairs manager, emphasized the company's commitment to local partnership: “We understand this site has faced challenges in the past, and we are committed to being a collaborative and transparent partner as we move forward. We don’t just build data centers; we become part of the community. This includes paying for 100 percent of the cost of power for the site and any infrastructure needs driven by our operations.” Mayor Deuitch now strikes a supportive tone, saying, “By accepting the need for data centers in our tech-based culture and welcoming Google as a community partner, we are spotlighting Michigan City as a hub for digital infrastructure.”
The development is expected to bring tangible economic benefits. Clarence Hulse, executive director of the EDC, noted that collaboration with Google is "infusing funds in our community for additional economic development, the creation of 30-plus high-skill jobs, and support of programs and education rooted in technology." While specific construction timelines and technical details for the Michigan City site remain undisclosed, the project adds to Google's growing Indiana footprint, which includes an operational campus in Fort Wayne launched in December 2025 and a separate 390-acre campus under development in Morgan County.
Google's acquisition reflects broader industry momentum in Indiana. The state has become a major destination for digital infrastructure investment, highlighted by Amazon Web Services' November 2025 announcement of a $15 billion commitment for data centers and AI infrastructure, supplementing an $11 billion plan revealed the previous year. Other operators like Microsoft, Meta, US Signals, DataBank, Netrality, and Digital Crossroads also have a presence in the state, signaling a sustained surge in capacity development driven by demand for cloud and artificial intelligence services.
Source: datacenterdynamics
