Fidelity Plans Research Triangle Data Center

Fidelity Investments is scouting sites for a major data center in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, and is said to be in talks to finalize a deal to build in Garner, a suburb of Raleigh, according to local media. The company is likely to invest at least $60 million in the new 100,000 square foot facility.

Officials in Garner confirm that they are aware of a data center project for a large company that currently has local operations. The Garner officials haven't identified the prospect, but Fidelity has an existing data center in Research Triangle Park and acknowledges that it is seeking additional space. "Fidelity is planning for incremental growth beyond the capacity we have at our existing data center facility, and we are engaged in active negotiations that are progressing well," Fidelity spokeswoman Jennifer Engle told the Triangle Business Journal. "We believe this is good news for North Carolina and reinforces our commitment to the state."

Garner Mayor Ronnie Williams said the data center project was discussed by the Town Council in a closed session Thursday evening. Williams told the News & Observer the town has not been told the identity of the company, which is considering a site in the Greenfield South industrial park near the intersection of U.S. 70 and Interstate 40.

The new data center would provide Fidelity with data centers on two different power supply systems. The company’s current Triangle center pulls its power from Duke Energy, while the site in Garner would use Progress Energy as its utility. Fidelity purchased its current data center building and equipment from Credit Suisse in 2007 for $108.6 million, the Business Journal reported.