Discover how one company is revolutionizing the data center industry by repurposing urban buildings for AI infrastructure instead of constructing new facilities from scratch. Patmos, known for its innovative approach, has transformed a former Kansas City Star building into a cutting-edge data center, offering high-density colocation space for AI and HPC needs.
Patmos has recently expanded its AI data center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, by converting an existing urban building into a state-of-the-art facility. This strategic move allows the company to leverage the infrastructure of the former Kansas City Star building, providing 10 MW of additional colocation space and increasing the site’s total capacity to 35 MW. With the ability to offer rack-ready colocation space in increments of 2.5 MW, Patmos supports high densities of 100 kW or more per rack.
The Patmos AI Campus in Kansas City goes beyond traditional data center functions, incorporating office space, conference facilities, and areas for entertainment and social events. Similar projects in Dallas and Phoenix highlight the company’s commitment to urban data center development.
Joe Morgan, COO of Patmos, emphasized the advantages of downtown locations, citing easy access to energy infrastructure and utilities. The company anticipates a total investment of $1 billion as the project progresses, focusing on brownfield locations for their existing infrastructure and chilled water capacity.
Operating in a high-traffic urban area comes with security challenges, prompting Patmos to implement 24-hour monitoring with armed guards, cameras, and a surveillance robot equipped with night vision. Despite initial concerns from the community, the data center’s presence has contributed to a decrease in crime in the surrounding area since its launch.
A Big Tech Alternative
Originating as a hosting service centered on free speech, Patmos positions itself as an alternative to mainstream tech platforms by offering a secure environment for clients like Candace Owens. The company’s commitment to providing a censorship-free hosting platform reflects its mission to empower voices that may face censorship or deplatforming elsewhere.
By investing in data center ownership, Patmos ensures a secure and reliable infrastructure for its hosting platform, prioritizing client guarantees of uninterrupted service. The company’s focus on urban data center projects extends to potential markets like St. Louis, demonstrating its dedication to expanding innovative solutions in the industry.