Data Center Firm Integrates with Local Communities in Texas

RED OAK, Texas — A data center company is taking a unique approach by embedding itself within the communities where it establishes large facilities to support the growing technology and AI sectors.

With rising concerns regarding their impact on local resources and infrastructure, Compass Datacenters’ CEO Chris Crosby emphasizes the importance of collaboration. He believes that companies should work closely with local communities to understand their needs, plan improvements, and invest in projects that enhance residents’ lives.

This was precisely Crosby’s intention when developing a hyperscale data center campus in this town of around 20,000, located just 20 miles south of Dallas. He shared insights on creating a data center characterized by “no noise, no light pollution” and utilizing an entirely water-free cooling system.

“Do you need a fire truck? A new school? Maybe some baseball fields for your community?” Crosby suggested in an interview. “These are crucial capital investments that can genuinely uplift a community, and many localities should be advocating for them.”

Crosby also reflected on the significance of durability in community assets, stating, “If you’re placing a hundred-year asset in a community, it’s vital to do that thoughtfully and in partnership with locals.”

In Red Oak, Compass made a significant contribution of $15 million to build an animal shelter after the local SPCA ended its contract last year. Additionally, they joined forces with Texas State Technical College to create a $12.6 million training facility aimed at bolstering the school’s Mechanical, Electrical, and IT Data Center Pathway program. This initiative is designed to guide students into skilled trades and technical fields necessary for the data center industry, although they welcome individuals with no prior experience.

“We’re in desperate need of more talent in this field,” he remarked, expressing his relief that the stigmatization of blue-collar jobs and the push for everyone to pursue four-year degrees seems to be fading.

Compass, which is headquartered in Virginia’s data center capital, started building its Red Oak campus back in 2019. The facility now features 10 data center buildings, a manufacturing site for Schneider Electric, and the training center itself. Roughly 900 people are employed at this site, including around 600 for Compass and 300 for Schneider Electric, alongside thousands of construction workers who have been on the project over the last five years.

“I grow weary of the notion that data centers do not create jobs,” Crosby stated firmly regarding the external narrative suggesting they don’t provide lasting employment. “Just tell that to the 900 people working here and the countless construction workers who have been involved over the years.”

As data centers proliferate throughout the country, questions around their electricity and water usage—and the resulting impact on local infrastructure—have increased. However, Crosby notes that Compass has avoided using water for cooling since its inception, a choice he’s personally committed to, recognizing the precious nature of water in Texas.

Under the current model, water at the Red Oak site is strictly reserved for bathroom use, with a hybrid cooling system that operates using air or liquid. While he acknowledges that this choice may reduce efficiency, he considers the benefits to the environment far outweigh any downsides.

Power consumption is another pressing issue linked to the growth of data centers. Crosby believes that by connecting to the grid, these companies can help pay for necessary upgrades in transmission and generation capabilities. He added that data centers could adjust when they draw power to alleviate demand and reduce grid congestion.

In Red Oak, Compass has contributed seven parcels of land to the transmission provider to facilitate power routing, all while avoiding the need for eminent domain. This approach also helps to keep noise and light pollution under control, aligning with the EPA’s noise regulations.

“Being a considerate neighbor is crucial—zero noise, no light pollution, and, of course, respecting the vital resources in the community,” he concluded.