South Loop Embraces Tech Future with Chicago's First Purpose-Built AI Data Center Breaking Ground

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · December 9, 2025

South Loop residents will soon witness the neighborhood's technological evolution as construction begins on HydraVault, Chicago's first purpose-built AI data center. A foundation permit has been issued to renovate a two-story building at 2538 S. Wabash Avenue, where the 76,000-square-foot facility will be housed. The state-of-the-art center will feature a power supply of 20 megawatts and deliver up to 200 kilowatts per rack, using an innovative hybrid cooling system.

Designed by award-winning Gensler Architects, the facility is engineered specifically for next-generation computing, including AI inferencing, large-scale model training and ultra-low latency financial trading. The project stands out for its environmental consciousness, implementing a closed-loop waterless cooling system that helps cut energy use and emissions. This sustainable design achieves an estimated annual Power Usage Effectiveness of 1.19, providing advantages for organizations focused on both performance and sustainability.

"We're excited to partner with HydraVault, working in close coordination with Alderman Pat Dowell's office to ensure members of the community have a positive experience with few disruptions throughout the planning and implementation phases," said Matthew O'Hare of Power Construction's Data Structures Group. Scott D. Greenberg, Founder of HydraVault, added: "Our remarkable downtown Chicago location is adjacent to a dense and diverse fiber network that enables the lowest possible latency combined with superior, energy efficient design. The data center's features are a strategic differentiator to firms in AI, machine learning, and financial services in the Chicago area."

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/01/construction-to-begin-soon-on-south-loop-data-center/
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/foundation-permit-issued-ai-data-center-project
3. https://aijourn.com/hydravault-secures-construction-permit-for-downtown-chicagos-first-purpose-built-ai-facility-power-construction-to-commence-work-immediately/