A developer with over 300 data centers across more than 55 metros is reportedly behind the acquisition of a sprawling horse racing course in suburban Stickney.
The unknown corporate buyer that offered $90M for the 108-acre Hawthorne Race Course in July as the sole bidder in a bankruptcy sale is data center developer Digital Realty, The Real Deal first reported.
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The developer is the parent company of Allimac 2023 LLC, which made the purchase after Hilco Global marketed the property in the run-up to the auction as a redevelopment play.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the acquisition and has not disclosed its intentions for the site.
But resistance from local leaders could stall or scuttle a potential data center.
Hilco stated that the property presented a "compelling opening for modern logistics, distribution, manufacturing or mixed industrial uses," according to its listing on the company's website, but did not explicitly disclose if the property was zoned for data center development.
Parties involved in facilitating the deal state that a data center would be allowed under current regulations, according to TRD. But Stickney spokesperson Jessica Fese told the Desplaines Valley News that a data center would be considered a novel use requiring the village's approval.
Stickney Mayor Mitch Milenkovic said Thursday he opposed any data center development on the site. This follows a six-month moratorium on data center zoning, licensing, development and permit approvals in the suburb, approved by its village board Aug. 4.
“The unanimous approval of this moratorium should send a strong message to any potential developer of Hawthorne: data center construction is unwelcome in Stickney,” Milenkovic said, according to the DVN.
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