Data Centers

Demand for cloud computing, “big data” and its security is growing. Many organizations are considering developing and operating data centers. Developers and building owners wish to create multi-tenant data centers. Hospitals and universities want connected campuses. And some of the world’s largest companies are providing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) as a new source of revenue from their data centers.

The process of getting approvals to build, retrofit or expand data centers can be very complex and time-consuming.  We can help assist developers, operators and others with their data center needs:

  • Obtaining approvals for private infrastructure—such as conduit paths, manholes, junction boxes—to be located on public property
  • Securing flexible planned development and zoning-related approvals to develop, operate and expand centers
  • Assisting developers with acquiring sites for development, or existing buildings for renovation
  • Working with developers on all aspects of construction, including negotiating contracts and resolving disputes with contractors
  • Assisting operators with leases of data center facilities
  • Seeking variances of fire safety and EPA regulations
  • Coordinating strategies and assisting with obtaining incentives to offset certain costs
  • Advising developers on ways to meet their operational and speed-to-market needs
  • Assisting with local business licensing
  • Handling disputes and litigating issues with neighboring property owners

Representative Matters

Collaborated with the city government to amend the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, creating the zoning category that permits data centers to operate.

Obtained many planned development and Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance approvals, plus financial incentives, to redevelop 350 East Cermak Road. This 1.1 million square foot data center/carrier hotel is the largest multi-tenant data center in the U.S.

Received Chicago City Council approvals to allow a data center owner (a non-telecommunications retailer or provider) to place multiple fiber conduit paths beneath public streets, and rights-of-way. Strategically and efficiently enabling building tenants turnkey access to their preferred network providers.

Collaborated and negotiated with Chicago city government to draft and develop the first data center conduit path use agreement. This allowed for private infrastructure under Chicago’s public ways.

Represented many developers in acquiring urban “infill” sites and existing buildings for redevelopment.

Obtained Chicago City Council approvals to allow a developer of underground conduits to locate an underground pipeline or conduit path beneath Chicago’s Busway Project. The approval meant the developer could sublicense the conduits to telecommunications providers.

Represented a number of developers in negotiating construction contracts and other agreements to develop their projects and resolve construction-related disputes.

Negotiated a conduit path and facility use agreement, and a Chicago Freight Tunnel Construction and Maintenance Agreement, and secured City Council approvals. As a result, the data center developer and operator could place redundant conduit paths, manholes and junction boxes within city public ways and in the Chicago Freight Tunnel.

Worked with a data center operator in negotiating a lease at a major data center location.

Represented a Class 1 railroad in developing a fiber optic line along its right of way.

Assisted telecommunications companies and fiber optic network service providers with their Chicago business licensing needs.

Represented a construction company in litigation with an adjoining property owner on the issue of installing telecommunications services within the public way.

Represented a telecommunications construction company in all aspects of litigation and dispute-related services.

Events

Conference

Mitchell Carrel to Moderate Panel at DICE Midwest

Carrel to Moderate Panel at Bisnow's Data Center Investment Conference & Expo Midwest

Conference

Bisnow's Data Center Conference and Expo Midwest