More than 100 local residents packed the second-floor conference room of the Iron Block building Monday night to learn more about a proposed large-scale data center development that could reshape the Frankfort area. Developers from Logistix, a land development firm specializing in digital infrastructure sites, outlined their vision for a $10 billion project covering more than 700 acres in Frankfort, while fielding pointed questions and concerns from the community.
The proposed development, still in its early stages, aims to transform part of Clinton County into a major hub for data infrastructure. Developers cited multiple factors in selecting the site: proximity to a substation, availability of land within an industrial zone, minimal sprawl, and geographic advantages like access to a “nice underground aquifer” and location between Indianapolis and Chicago. They also pointed to Frankfort’s city-owned utilities and existing infrastructure, which they said allow the potential delivery of up to 300 megawatts of power in a year—a rare asset in today’s data-driven economy.
Jim Shook, who leads land acquisition for the project, assured the crowd that outreach to residential property owners would begin immediately. He emphasized the developers’ commitment to fair negotiations, stating that the company will offer to purchase properties but will not use eminent domain.
While the project could bring 300 to 600 direct jobs based on energy use projections—and thousands more indirectly—some residents questioned whether locals would be the ones hired. Developers responded that data centers require fast response times and that operators prefer to employ nearby residents. Plans include partnerships with local tech colleges to prepare a skilled workforce. They also said average salaries at the data centers would approach $100,000 annually
The development is projected to unfold over five to seven years, with phase one—focused on land already zoned for industry near Conagra—taking three to five years. Logistix confirmed they are in late-stage talks with U.S.-based operators and could finalize an agreement in the next two months.
“This is a transformational opportunity for Frankfort,” said Doug Swain of Logistix, noting that the company is in discussions with “well-capitalized, institutional-type” partners that are recognizable names in the data center world. “These are companies who care about community support and want to engage in meaningful, long-term ways.”
The July 23 Plan Commission meeting will be open to the public and is expected to include additional details about zoning, infrastructure planning, and community impact assessments.
Kevin Keith interviews Doug Swain of Logistix:
Kevin Keith interviews Don Stock with the city of Frankfort:
Listen to the first hour and a half of Tuesday nights meeting in three parts: