MOUNT PLEASANT, WIS. – The Village of Mount Pleasant, Racine County, Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC), Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and Milwaukee 7 today announced plans for an agreement with Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) to purchase a 315-acre parcel of land in the Village of Mount Pleasant in Racine County. The aim is to create a data center campus.
Microsoft has agreed to purchase land in the east section of Area III of Tax Increment District No. 5 from the Village.
LOCAL INVESTMENTS PAVE THE WAY
In 2017, a multi-year process began that required unprecedented coordination between local and statewide governments and agencies to transform more than 2,500 acres in the heart of the Village of Mount Pleasant to an area that is shovel ready for high level development appropriate for the Electronics and Information Technology Manufacturing Zone.
“Village, County and State officials planned for a long-term future to accommodate development and investment by a variety of companies,” said Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave. “We have presented a tremendous opportunity for companies, like Microsoft, to invest.”
“Microsoft was attracted to this location because it is primed for development,” said Village of Mount Pleasant President David DeGroot. “Through local investments, we have transformed this area of Mount Pleasant and equipped it with the infrastructure necessary to support a major investment by Microsoft.”
“Our first commitment is always to local taxpayers,” said Claude Lois, Project Director for the Village of Mount Pleasant. “That will be the case as we move forward with Microsoft.”
The proposed development will be considered by the Mount Pleasant Village Board on March 30, 2023 and the Racine County Board at its April 11 and April 18 meetings.
“I am excited by Microsoft’s decision to locate in Mount Pleasant,” said Missy Hughes, Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). “Microsoft joins a roster of innovative, world-class companies that are choosing to grow in Wisconsin because of our highly educated workforce, outstanding infrastructure, central location, and unparalleled quality of life. We look forward to working with them to ensure they succeed.”
The development agreement notes that Microsoft will develop a $1 billion, 315-acre data center campus. Pending approvals, site readiness work could start later this year.
“Today’s announcement is just the start of our mutual collaboration and Microsoft’s long-term commitment to the local community,” said Paul Englis, Director of Community Engagement at Microsoft.
“Microsoft is clearly one of the world’s most successful technology companies—a global leader in creating customer and shareholder value,” said Gale Klappa, co-chair of Milwaukee 7 and executive chairman of WEC Energy Group. “This respected, innovative company will be an incredible addition to the regional and state economy.”
ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PLEASANT
The Village of Mount Pleasant is a community that prides itself in one of its greatest assets – location. Comprised of 36 square miles in Eastern Racine County, Mount Pleasant is one of the fastest growing communities in the State of Wisconsin. Stretching from Lake Michigan to Interstate 94, its location provides easy access to metropolitan Milwaukee and Chicago, as well as Mitchell International Airport. Mount Pleasant also offers a wide variety of business opportunities. Numerous local, national, and international companies call Mount Pleasant home, including Case New Holland, Badger Meter, Foxconn, Putzmeister, SC Johnson, Seda International Packaging, and many others. Companies are consistently expressing interest in the community and the area as a whole, allowing the Village to see consistent growth in employment opportunities and amenities for residents. Learn more at http://www.mtpleasantwi.gov/.
ABOUT RACINE COUNTY
Racine County is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, conveniently situated between Milwaukee and Chicago. The county boasts lakefront beaches and gently rolling hills, vibrant urban areas and peaceful rural retreats. World-renowned businesses like SC Johnson, Twin Disc, and InSinkErator; first-class amenities like Reefpoint Marina, Racine Zoo, and Racine Art Museum; and nearly 200,000 diverse and welcoming residents all call Racine County home. From Burlington to the City of Racine, and the 15 communities in between, Racine County has something to offer everyone. Learn more at www.RacineCounty.com.
