Ascent Builds Out First Dynamic Data Center SuiteSM in Chicago CH2 Data Center
News Release
Chicago, IL - December 16, 2010
Ascent Corporation, a leading provider of comprehensive data center solutions, has signed a FORTUNE 100 multimedia company
as the first tenant of its Chicago CH2 Data Center. Ascent will provide a custom-built autonomous suite offering up to 4MW
of critical power, which will enable the tenant to develop and expand its services within a highly efficient, completely
autonomous data center space.
CH2 is a multi-tenant data center facility in Northlake, Illinois that offers autonomous Suites featuring customized
infrastructure for companies seeking to build or lease data center space via Powered Shell or Turnkey Infrastructure.
Each CH2 data center suite will provide its tenant with an independent secured entrance, dedicated shipping area, and
non-shared infrastructure and support space. Tenants can choose from a wide range of design options, including power
density, Tier level and operational services.
“Our ability to quickly sign the anchor tenant for CH2 is a real validation of our product and the continued strength of
the greater Chicago market,” said Phil Horstmann, CEO, Ascent Corporation. “The autonomous suite model has proved to be
very popular with customers that want a customized, build-to-suit data center space that takes advantage of hyper-entitled
data center attributes. By letting our tenants control their Suites’ design parameters, we can provide them with a flexible,
cost-effective custom data center solution that maximizes energy efficiency with no capital outlay through a turnkey lease.”
The Chicago market is one of the strongest in the country for data center services. The area’s connectivity options, zoning
laws and supportive regulatory environment, as well as ample supplies of green energy, make Chicago one of the best infrastructure
markets in the country. Power for the 54+ MW CH2 data center comes primarily from low-cost, low-carbon electricity from nuclear
plants and other renewable energy facilities in the region.
In early 2010, Ascent secured substantial funding to complete the CH2 project and closed on property for the 250,000 square-foot
facility. Construction for the initial tenant is expected to be complete by Spring 2011, and Ascent expects to invest approximately
$75 million in mission critical equipment to support the current development. The company will continue to develop the site and is
actively recruiting additional tenants in the coming months.