Guild Ventures Proposed Albany Data Center Project

The developer seeks to build a data center on the 76-acre historic Kenwood site in South Albany.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Data Centers

Isometric editorial illustration of modular building blocks arranged on a flat plot of land, representing a proposed site development project. — Guild Ventures has proposed a four-acre data center as part of a 76-acre mixed-use project on the historic Kenwood site in South Albany. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Guild Ventures has proposed a new data center on the 76-acre Kenwood site in South Albany. The project includes plans for residential and commercial development alongside a four-acre facility.

Why it matters

The proposal has sparked debate among residents concerned about potential impacts on electricity costs, climate goals, and the local water supply. Developers contend the facility can be powered responsibly without overburdening the local electrical grid.

The proposed data center covers four acres within a 76-acre site, with developers requesting 180 megawatts of grid power. The project aims to utilize air-cooled technology to mitigate noise and pollution.

The players

Guild Ventures

This development firm is the primary entity proposing the new data center and mixed-use project in South Albany.

Albany Common Council

This local governing body will determine the future of the Kenwood site by reviewing requests for light industrial rezoning.

Elizabeth Gaudet

A local resident who has personal historical ties to the Kenwood site dating back to her high school years.

The details

The developer intends to request that the Albany Common Council rezone the property for light industrial use to accommodate the data center. The site, which saw three of its buildings destroyed by fire in 2023, is also slated to feature additional residential and commercial properties.

1970-1975: Elizabeth Gaudet attended high school at the Kenwood site.
1981: Elizabeth Gaudet married at the Kenwood site chapel.
2023: A fire destroyed three buildings on the site.
Next few months: Developers plan to ask the council for site rezoning.
1 year away: Completion of the project's first phase is expected.

Roadmap

This project fits into the broader industry shift toward high-density computing infrastructure requiring significant power allocations. It highlights the growing tension between developers pursuing data center expansion and local communities concerned with grid stability.

Residents may see significant changes in local traffic patterns and land use if the rezoning request is approved. The project could also lead to localized grid management shifts as the developer moves to secure 180 megawatts of power for the site.

The takeaway

The proposed Kenwood site development represents a significant test of how small cities balance modern technological infrastructure with land preservation. Residents should prepare for upcoming council hearings to express their stance on the project's long-term impacts.