Oakland University is taking advantage of open space and access to a power source to lure a private partner to build a new data center.

“The opportunity is there for us because we have a DTE substation on our campus and that substation has 26-megawatt capacity available, so we have that asset built into our campus,” said Steven Mackey, vice president for Finance and Administration..

A data center houses the infrastructure needed to build, run and deliver software applications and services, and store associated data..

“The new data center would bring potential for smart campus technology, artificial intelligence research, experimental and digital learning, jobs for students and the local economy,” said Mackey.

According to datacentermaps.com, there are 53 data centers in Michigan; 26 in the Detroit area.

The 26-megawatts represents total power capacity for the substation, which would power needed to run and cool equipment and other supporting infrastructure.

The new structure would be built in Parking Lot 35, on the southwest end of campus adjacent to the substation. It would include space to relocate OU’s current data center from its science complex so the university can expand its research space and new artificial intelligence institute.

OU has received interest from 32 companies, Mackey said.

For comparison, Edged Data Centers built a new 114,000-square-foot facility in Kansas City in 2025 with 26-megawatt power availability that is estimated to cost over $140 million.

Mackey said OU is working with the Brailsford and Dunlavey consulting firm, who will evaluate the proposals and make recommendations to the university.

OU will select a company in August, finalize a business plan, execute the agreements and present the board of trustees with a proposal at their October meeting.