Stack Infrastructure is set to transform Virginia’s economic landscape with a monumental pledge of $73.5 billion to develop a data center campus at the Southern Virginia Megasite in Berry Hill, Pittsylvania County. This investment, alongside commitments to job creation, marks a significant milestone for the region.
The Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority recently approved a local performance agreement with Stack Infrastructure, solidifying the company’s plans for the site. In addition to the massive financial commitment, the project promises to generate at least 2,050 new jobs with an average annual wage of $80,500. While specific timelines for these commitments were not disclosed, Stack has indicated plans to increase its total investment to $100 billion over a 30-year period.
The Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill - a sprawling 3,528-acre industrial park situated along US Route 311 - stands at the heart of this ambitious initiative. This development aims to not only bring economic growth but also spark a multiplier effect throughout the surrounding community.
"You anticipate a multiplier effect of seven times, which means for every job created onsite, you’re looking at an additional six jobs created within the surrounding community", said Matt Rowe, Pittsylvania County’s economic development director, during a recent meeting. "These are not just a promise for jobs with nothing backing it up. There’s real significant money associated with the failure to meet jobs."
The performance agreement contains protections to ensure Stack fulfills its obligations. Should the company fail to meet its commitments, penalties will be enforced, and the county can adjust its property tax rate, which is currently set at $1.62 per $100 of data center equipment.
In a statement following the agreement's approval, Stack Infrastructure expressed its optimism about the project: "Stack Infrastructure is encouraged and excited by today’s development. Unanimous approval of the local performance agreement marks a major milestone in the longstanding effort to bring new, community-first economic growth to the Danville-Pittsylvania area."
The foundation for this project began earlier this year when Stack-affiliated SAC III Acquisition gained approval to purchase up to 2,990 acres at the megasite. The agreed sale price of $238,000 per acre could lead to a total cost of $737.8 million. Land purchases are expected to occur in phases, with the first phase requiring the acquisition of at least 1,000 acres by June 2027. All purchases must be completed by June 2031.
However, the project remains dependent on securing 299 megawatts (MW) of grid capacity from Appalachian Power by the end of 2028, a critical requirement for the data center's operations.
This development in Pittsylvania County adds to Stack Infrastructure’s growing presence in Virginia. The company already operates six campuses in Northern Virginia, totaling over 700MW across approximately a dozen buildings. Additionally, Stack has announced plans for a 144MW campus in Loudoun County, a 1GW campus in Stafford County, and a major project in Fredericksburg. Globally, Stack has approximately 4GW in operation or development, with another 6GW planned.
As new industries, such as Microporous’ lithium-ion battery separator plant, also take root at the Southern Virginia Megasite, the region appears poised for a significant economic transformation. With Stack’s substantial investment and job creation commitments, the Danville-Pittsylvania area stands at the forefront of Virginia’s burgeoning data center industry.
