The landscape of Huntington, West Virginia, is gearing up for a significant transformation with the impending development of a new data center. Local Managed Service Provider (MSP) Alpha Technologies has announced plans to renovate the former Appalachian Power Company building at 1125 6th Avenue, turning it into a sprawling 60,000 square foot, Tier III-quality data center. This ambitious project is set to kick off next month, with phase one projected for completion around March 2025, backed by a hefty $10 million investment.
Alpha Technologies’ CEO Doug Tate has made it clear that this venture isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a bridge to the future. “The ultimate goal of creating a bridge is to not only support the vision that Mayor Williams has but to further support Thundercloud’s mission of creating a middle mile fiber network to help drive both business and economic growth,” he stated during a recent press conference. This commitment to community and connectivity underscores the project’s broader implications for the region.
The site’s history adds an intriguing layer to this development. Previously an office space for Appalachian Power, the 1125 6th Avenue property fell into disuse after the company vacated it in the early 2000s. Subsequent plans by the Appalachian Transportation Institute to repurpose the building for manufacturing never came to fruition, leaving it largely idle. Now, with Alpha’s revitalization efforts, the site is poised to play a pivotal role in Huntington’s economic renaissance.
Central to this data center’s operation will be the fiber network being developed by Thundercloud and the City of Huntington. This initiative aims to extend high-speed fiber connectivity to every home and business in the area. Thundercloud is working on an ambitious 11-mile, 144-count, underground broadband fiber backbone that will connect the Village of Barboursville to downtown Huntington. Additionally, they plan to deploy a last-mile, underground fiber ring that links local businesses and institutions to gigabit-speed infrastructure. With over $2.3 million in state funding already secured, this project is not just a pipe dream; it’s a tangible plan for progress.
Alpha Technologies, founded in 2000, has a solid track record in the data center industry, offering colocation, hosting, cloud, cybersecurity, and networking services. Their existing facility at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston, a former Union Carbide data center, showcases their capability to manage significant operations, including those for government clients.
The establishment of this data center in Huntington represents more than just a new facility; it signals a shift towards a more connected and technologically advanced region. As the digital economy continues to expand, the need for robust infrastructure becomes increasingly paramount. This project could serve as a catalyst for attracting new businesses and talent to the area, ultimately fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem.
With the groundwork being laid for this venture, the implications for Huntington and the surrounding communities are profound. The integration of high-speed fiber connectivity with a state-of-the-art data center could not only enhance local business operations but also position Huntington as a competitive player in the tech landscape. As the project unfolds, all eyes will be on how this initiative shapes the future of the region, potentially setting a precedent for similar developments across West Virginia and beyond.
