Microsoft is preparing to embark on the development of a large-scale data center campus in North Carolina, marking a significant step in the company’s broader expansion efforts within the state. The project will take place at the 1,350-acre Person County Mega Park in Woodsdale Township, which Microsoft acquired in November 2024 for $26.85 million.
Person County officials announced that Microsoft intends to begin the permitting process for the data center development later this year. Plans for the site are still in the early stages, with details expected to be shared as they progress.
Kyle Puryear, chairman of the Person County board of commissioners, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating: "Person County is proud to welcome Microsoft as a valued corporate and community partner. We are excited to learn more about their plans for data center development in our county and are confident that their presence will drive economic growth and enhance community well-being through strategic investment, job creation, and responsible stewardship of resources."
Located near the border of North Carolina and Virginia, Woodsdale is approximately seven miles north of Roxboro and 16 miles south of South Boston.
As part of its commitment to the community, Microsoft has assured county officials that the development will prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management. The company has pledged to pay its own development costs to avoid increasing electricity prices, replenish more water than it consumes, and create jobs for local residents. Additionally, Microsoft plans to contribute to the county’s tax base and invest in local information technology training programs and non-profits.
Scott McKinney, chairman of Person County's economic development board, highlighted the significance of the project, saying: "Person County and others interested in the prosperity of Personians labored and invested significant financial resources for over a decade to develop the megasite with the hope of attracting a special corporate partner. We are eager to support Microsoft's strategic long-term investment in Person County."
This project is not Microsoft’s first venture in North Carolina. In November 2022, the company announced plans to invest at least $1 billion in four data centers in Catawba County, located roughly 50 miles northwest of Charlotte. Construction on three of those sites began in 2024.
Other major tech companies, including Google and Amazon, are also expanding their presence in North Carolina, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a growing hub for data center development.
Microsoft’s continued investments signal its long-term commitment to expanding its infrastructure in the region while fostering local economic growth. As plans for the Person County site take shape, the community anticipates further details about how this project will impact the area in the years to come.
