By Jordan Wilcox
Assistant Publisher
In the latter half of 2024, Microsoft Corporation completed one of the largest single-use land purchases in Dorr Township history, paying approximately $48 million for a 272-acre parcel off 144th Avenue near U.S. 131. The property is prime farmland, sitting just across the street from Walnutdale Family Farms and Frontier Truck Parts.
At the time, Microsoft and its realtor were hesitant to reveal plans for the land. They stated only that the site had been identified “as part of our ongoing search for development opportunities in the Michigan market,” and that it “fits into our 10-year tech strategy to develop the Greater Grand Rapids region into a leading tech hub in the Midwest.”
Many expected the plan was to build a new solar panel farm, as has been the case with most recent tech-related developments on Allegan County farmland. However, in a December 2025 statement, Microsoft and Lakeshore Advantage, a Holland-based economic development partner for Allegan and Ottawa counties, announced they had been working with local leaders to build a “facility to house a data center.”
A data center is a facility that houses computer servers used to store, process and distribute vast amounts of data. From the outside, they resemble large warehouses or fulfillment centers, but inside they contain hundreds of thousands of servers running around the clock, supporting cloud storage for photos, videos and websites, as well as powering artificial intelligence systems capable of tasks such as writing term papers and performing other complex computing functions.
In 2025, data centers became a major topic of discussion in Michigan. Developers and tech companies of all sizes submitted proposals for more than 10 new data centers in rural Michigan townships, most of which were for what are known as “hyperscale” data centers. These facilities often span hundreds of acres and consume as much electricity as a large American city. They can also draw more than 1 million gallons of water daily from local utilities to keep servers cool.
Microsoft’s proposal for Dorr Township stated that 128 acres of the property would be developed into a data center, placing it on the cusp of being considered hyperscale.
In each township where a new data center has been proposed, a majority of local residents have expressed opposition. These townships have seen record turnouts at board and planning commission meetings, where dozens of constituents have voiced concerns or questioned the projects.
In Gaines Township, just over the county line in Kent County, more than 300 people attended a December planning commission meeting to oppose another Microsoft data center. However, the meeting was ultimately shut down by the Gaines Township Fire Marshal, as the hall had a maximum occupancy of 250 people.
Meetings in Dorr Township were similarly packed and contentious. More than five dozen residents attended the December 18th township board meeting, raising concerns about what such a large development could mean for the community, including impacts on traffic, electricity, and water supply.
As the meeting continued, the collective sentiment shifted toward urging the township to block Microsoft from building altogether. After several arguments and instances of disorderly behavior, Township Supervisor Jeff Miling told attendees, “We’re not going to settle anything here tonight.” He said no action could or should be taken until Microsoft submits a formal site plan.
Miling also noted that the township’s master plan designates Microsoft’s parcel as commercial and industrial, zoning that would allow for a data center. Any attempt to challenge the project in court would likely be unsuccessful, he said, as Microsoft could potentially gain approval “by right.”
Regarding residents’ questions, one attendee proposed a public meeting between township officials, residents, and Microsoft representatives to explain how the project would function. Former Clerk and Township Planning Commissioner, Brian Boot, spoke in support of such a gathering.
Miling acknowledged that he has met with Microsoft representatives on multiple occasions to learn more about the company’s intentions for the property. After the meeting, he reached out again seeking answers to residents’ most pressing questions.
Microsoft representative Meredith Lizza responded in writing to Miling’s request. While her answers largely reflected information from the company’s website, she said she would welcome a meeting to discuss the “Dorr Project” and address community concerns directly.
“As a company, Microsoft has committed to being water positive by 2030,” Lizza wrote. “Microsoft will reduce the water we use in our operations in every way we can. We are making progress toward improving water use efficiency by 40% from a 2022 baseline across our global owned datacenter operations by 2030. We will also replenish more water than we use into ecosystems around the world.”
She also addressed traffic concerns, writing that “unlike distribution warehouses, datacenters do not have around-the-clock truck traffic coming and going, but might receive occasional deliveries of machinery, parts, office supplies and other equipment.” With data centers employing approximately 50 people per building across a 24-hour period, she added, parking lot traffic is minimal, with employees arriving and departing on staggered schedules rather than during large shift changes.
In a more recent statement to WOOD-TV News 8, another Microsoft spokesperson said that “project plans, including construction timelines, are yet to be finalized. We continue to work with our local partners and are committed to sharing information when we have it.”
In the meantime, Microsoft directs those with questions to its “Frequently Asked Questions About Our Datacenters” webpage at https://local.microsoft.com/blog/frequently-asked-questions-about-our-datacenters/
.
