Local officials and community members gathered on July 15, 2026, to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new $950 million data center campus in Umatilla, Oregon, by Sabey Data Centers. This development signifies a major investment in the Columbia River Cloud Corridor, a rapidly growing hyperscale data center cluster. For the AECM industry, this project underscores the increasing demand for data infrastructure and the strategic importance of location and renewable resources in data center site selection.
What Happened
Sabey Data Centers, a prominent multi-tenant data center operator in the United States, has initiated construction on a 714,540-square-foot data center campus in Umatilla, Oregon. The facility is designed to deliver more than 150 megawatts of capacity, powered by the renewable hydroelectric resources of the Columbia River. Sabey's Vice President Ryan Beebout highlighted the extensive planning and coordination required to reach this stage, emphasizing the complexity of data center construction.
The choice of Umatilla is strategic, leveraging its position within the Columbia River Cloud Corridor, which hosts a concentration of data centers due to its access to sustainable energy. Sabey President Tim Mirick noted the potential for expansion and the region's proven track record as a data center hub. Hundreds of skilled workers will contribute to building the campus, with the project expected to stimulate local economic growth and job creation.
What This Means for Your Business
The construction of the Sabey data center campus represents a significant opportunity for stakeholders in the AECM sector. The project will require extensive collaboration with ancillary industries such as fiber optics and pipefitting, creating permanent jobs and fostering economic development in Northeastern Oregon. For companies involved in construction, engineering, and manufacturing, this presents a chance to secure contracts and expand their operations.
Additionally, Sabey's use of a closed-loop cooling system, which conserves water by recirculating it within a sealed system, showcases an innovative approach to sustainability. This technology could set a precedent for future data center designs, aligning with broader industry trends towards water conservation and eco-friendly operations.
What US Operators Should Watch
As the project progresses, key dates and opportunities for procurement and collaboration will emerge. Companies should monitor timelines for subcontractor bids and potential partnerships in related services. Moreover, the emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable practices may influence regulatory standards and compliance requirements, such as CMMC and NIST, for future data center projects.
For decision-makers in the AECM industry, staying informed about Sabey's construction milestones and technological innovations will be crucial for maintaining competitive positioning and leveraging federal funding opportunities in the evolving data infrastructure landscape.
Source: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/sabey-begins-construction-on-950m-data-center-in-umatilla/71833. Read the original story ->
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