Monticello Data Center: Everything We Know About the Proposed 3M+ Sq Ft Tech Campus in Minnesota (2025–2028)
Last updated: November 29, 2025
If you’re in construction, IT, or just keeping tabs on Minnesota’s booming tech scene, the Monticello data center project is one to watch. Nestled in Wright County, about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River, this isn’t some pie-in-the-sky idea – it’s two legit proposals hitting the planning phase right now, backed by local heavyweights like Frattalone Companies and Scannell Properties. We’re talking a combined 4+ million square feet of high-tech real estate that could pump billions into the local economy and create hundreds of jobs.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything we know so far: the players, the timeline, the specs, and why Monticello, MN, is suddenly the hottest spot for data center development outside the Twin Cities. Whether you’re a tradesperson eyeing Monticello data center jobs, a contractor hunting bids, or just curious we’ve got the details.
Why Monticello? Location, Power, and Land – The Perfect Storm
Monticello isn’t your typical data center hub like the Iron Range up north, but it’s got that Goldilocks factor: close enough to Minneapolis for talent and logistics, cheap enough land for massive builds, and – crucially – powered by Xcel Energy’s Monticello Nuclear Generating Station right in town. That means reliable, low-carbon juice for the always-on servers these beasts need.
Site 1: Monticello Tech Campus (Frattalone Companies) Size: Up to 3 million sq ft on a 550-acre plot. Location: South of 85th Street NW and east of Highway 25, in the city’s Orderly Annexation Area (OAA). This spot’s undergoing an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) as of November 2025, with public input sessions wrapping up this week. Why here? Flat land, easy highway access (I-94 is a quick hop), and proximity to Bertram Chain of Lakes for cooling water if needed. Estimated cost: $2.5–$5 billion.
Site 2: Scannell Technology Park Size: 1.3 million sq ft on 106 acres. Location: Between Otter Creek Crossing Industrial Park (north), 90th Street NW (south), and Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park (west) – also in the OAA. Environmental review’s in progress. Backed by real estate pros Scannell Properties, this one’s pitched as a flexible “technology park” that could mix data halls with office space.
Both projects align with Monticello’s updated 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which now greenlights data centers in Light Industrial Parks. The city’s already seen annexation petitions roll in (five from Monticello Tech LLC alone in April 2025), and they’re proactively tackling concerns like water use, noise, and traffic.
Fun fact: This mirrors Meta’s $800M, 715K sq ft facility in Rosemount (opening 2026) – MN’s proving it’s a data center magnet, with low energy costs and that Midwestern reliability.
Who’s Behind the Monticello Data Center Projects?
No big-tech anchors announced yet (think hyperscalers like Google or Microsoft scouting anonymously), but the developers are MN-rooted pros:
Frattalone Companies: Family-owned since 1970, they’re the construction muscle for Monticello Tech. Expect them to handle the heavy lifting on permitting and buildout.
Scannell Properties: Chicago-based but with deep MN ties, specializing in industrial parks. Their pitch emphasizes phased development to minimize disruption.
The city hired consultants like Kimley-Horn (for AUAR) and WSB (independent review) to keep things transparent. No formal land-use apps yet, but expect shovels in ground by mid-2026 if all goes smooth.
Timeline: From Proposals to Power-On (Phased Breakdown)
Data centers don’t pop up overnight – these are multi-year beasts with environmental reviews, grid upgrades, and tenant signings. Here’s the realistic roadmap based on city docs and similar MN projects:
| Phase | Timeline | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Planning & Review | Q4 2025 – Q1 2026 | AUAR complete, public hearings done, annexation approved. City ordinance for data centers finalized. |
| Permitting & Groundbreaking | Q2–Q3 2026 | Building permits issued. First dirt moved on Frattalone site; Scannell follows. |
| Construction Peak | 2027–2028 | Core data halls up, cooling systems in. ~200–300 construction jobs per site at height. |
| Operational | Late 2028+ | Servers online, full occupancy. Ongoing maintenance hires. |
Pro tip: Watch the Monticello City Council meetings – next one’s December 2025, where they’ll vote on
PUD (Planned Unit Development) rules tailored for these.
Jobs, Economy, and What It Means for Monticello
The real juice? Economic ripple. These projects could add 500+ permanent roles (ops, security, IT) plus thousands in construction. Post-build, it’s slim (~50–100 direct per site), but the tax base? Game-changer for schools, roads, and that new community center.
For trades: Peak hiring hits Q2 2027. We’re talking electricians wiring 3-phase feeds, HVAC pros for massive cooling towers, and low-volt specialists for fiber runs. (Check our Jobs page for headcount estimates.)
Locals are mixed – Reddit’s buzzing with “not in my backyard” vibes over energy draw and views, but city leaders see it as revenue gold. Xcel’s nuclear plant (1,100 MW capacity) covers the load, no new fossils needed.
Challenges and What’s Next for the Monticello Data Center
Not all smooth: Water sourcing (lakes nearby, but regs tight), noise from generators, and grid strain are hot topics. The AUAR addresses ’em head-on, with buffers and green mandates.
Bottom line: If you’re a contractor, sub, or skilled worker, get on the list now – bids drop early 2026. For updates, subscribe to our newsletter or follow Monticello’s site.
Sources: Monticello MN official docs, Data Center Dynamics, Finance & Commerce (Oct/Nov 2025). This post will update as news breaks.
Ready to Get Involved with the Monticello Data Center Build?
Whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor, staffing agency, or skilled tradesperson looking for work on one of the biggest projects to hit Wright County in decades — now’s the time to get on the radar.
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