Atlanta-based data center T5 is establishing a presence in Augusta right next door to Fort Gordon, home of the U.S. Army’s Cyber Command.
The 140-acre development was described in a press release as a “government and enterprise cloud data center campus adjacent to Fort Gordon, with access to an abundant and unique pool of highly trained, certified IT and cybersecurity personnel with secret and top-secret federal credentials.”
The site was chosen based on the area’s cluster of advanced cybersecurity initiatives such as the Georgia Cyber Center.
“The vast, premium location of this property makes it ideal for federal cloud space and government contractors, with access to a large labor force with required security clearances, access to lit, dark, and black fiber, and any necessary physical security measures” said CEO Pete Marin in the release. “In addition, our clients get a business-friendly and stable tax environment, with 100% sales tax abatement on IT purchases, property tax rebates and low-cost reliable power.”
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T5’s services offer customized shell data centers, critical facility construction and ongoing facility management and operations services. The T5 team custom builds to commercial or federal cloud specifications, according to their website.
MORE: Engineering and Research Company Moving Into Georgia Cyber Center
“Augusta has made a name for itself as a hub for the cybersecurity industry. With T5’s development of this vast tract of land, the company is helping spur more tech-centric economic development for the community,” said Steven Kendrick, chairman of Augusta Economic Development Authority. “We are pleased to support new projects in the area that will cement our city’s cybersecurity stronghold.”
The deal was made possible through a partnership between Augusta Economic Development Authority director Cal Wray and Columbia County Development Authority director Robbie Bennett. Wray said he and Bennett have been working on the project for 18 months, according to a Dec. 17, 2021 article in The Augusta Press.
At the time of the article, the company that would be building had not been named.
“The first building will be in Columbia County,” Wray said. “About 80% of the property is in Columbia County and about 20% is in Richmond County. If the owner acquires future parcels, the goal is for a mixed use development beyond just office space. But the first office building is on this site in Columbia County.”
Wray said about a year ago, both development authorities sat down with the developer to make sure they understood the requirements and guidelines of operating in both counties, due to their eventual goal to build in both.
“Fort Gordon is building out $1.6 billion worth of space right now, and once that’s full, you can’t put every contractor on post,” Wray said. “We’ve got all the major players here and as they need office space, there’s only so much room within Fort Gordon.”
T5 has established data centers in various metropolitan hubs such as Charlotte, Minneapolis, Portland and Colorado Springs.
Tyler Strong is the Business Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at tyler@theaugustapress.com
