University of Dallas, KDC to Develop Data Center in Irving

A small Catholic university known for a “great books” curriculum at its campus in Irving is in a deal with a local developer to make a great leap into the data center business.

The University of Dallas has tapped developer KDC on a project to bring a 770,000-square-foot data center to its campus near State Highway 114 and Braniff Drive, the Dallas Morning News reported. The 67-acre development site is across the highway from the campus.

The project calls for the data center to be completed in about three years, with Dallas-based architecture firm Corgan, civil engineering firm Kimley-Horn and mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering firm Telios Corporation lined up.

The plan recently got approval for a zoning change from the Irving City Council. The school and developer told city officials they wanted the change in zoning because the prior designation for office has become unattractive in the face of remote work trends.

The applicants said the data center development would account for approximately $8.2 million in annual revenue for the city through property and business taxes. They also said it would create jobs with a relatively limited effect on local traffic.

Oncor recently upgraded transmission lines in the area, and the site has “extensive access” to broadband, said Eric Hage, executive vice president of development at KDC.

The campus is among various projects in some phase of development in Irving, including another data center campus from QTS Realty Trust LLC. Recent planning documents filed with the city indicate the Kansas-based developer is intent on adding a two-floor building to its 55-acre campus in Irving.

Demand for data centers is a trend nationally and in the Texas Triangle, where the Austin suburb of Hutto exemplifies the trend.

KDC is also developing Wells Fargo’s $455 million regional campus in Irving, which is expected to span 800,000 square feet near the intersection of Las Colinas Boulevard and Promenade Parkway.