INVESTING IN SHELBYVILLE'S FUTURE
Project Hackman
Project Hackman brings a planned investment to Shelbyville that supports essential digital services and delivers long-term local benefits.
What Does a Data Center Do for the Community?
What Is a Data Center?
You may have heard the term “data center,” but what does it really mean for Shelbyville? A data center is the secure, behind-the-scenes facility that stores and manages the digital information we all rely on every day. Data centers have been around for decades. They function like the digital engine room of modern life, supporting everything from emergency response systems and school communications to online banking, healthcare records and small business operations.
How Data Centers Support Daily Life
Data centers are a critical part of the community’s digital foundation. While most people never see them, they quietly keep essential services running. Hospitals use them to securely manage patient information, educators rely on them to connect with students and families, businesses depend on them to help serve customers and residents use them to stay in touch with loved ones. Reliable digital infrastructure helps ensure that Shelbyville can function safely, efficiently and connected.
Local Jobs and Local Revenue
From construction through long-term operations, this project represents a significant investment in Shelbyville. It will create local jobs and generate dependable tax revenue that stays local. That revenue can be reinvested into community priorities such as public schools, parks, libraries, roads, utilities and emergency services.
Reliable Modern Infrastructure
Data centers support nearly every aspect of daily life and are essential to a secure and competitive economy. Creating reliable digital infrastructure through Project Hackman will help attract new business, infrastructure and technology to Shelbyville and the surrounding areas.
Jobs & Revenue That Stay Local
From construction through long-term operations, Project Hackman will create 330 full time jobs & 5,750 construction jobs. Project Hackman, when fully constructed, has a total expected real property investment of up to $2 billion dollars, which will provide a new diversified consistent tax revenue to support roads, emergency services, and local schools while reducing the tax burden on all citizens for decades to come.
Built With Community in Mind
Prologis is committed to being a collaborative community partner for Shelbyville. For more than 40 years, we have been working with communities across the country and the world to bring thoughtful projects that contribute to the local economy and create lasting benefits for residents. The project is designed to meet all local regulations, minimize impacts of neighboring property owners and integrate responsibly into the surrounding area.
Investing in strong, sustainable and secure data infrastructure here at home brings a significant new tax base, lowering the tax burden on all citizens through an up to $2 billion real property investment. This helps keep the communities competitive both technologically and economically while preserving the essential services we all need.
Project Hackman: At a Glance
Size
Project Hackman will be a multi-building data center campus with a three-phased buildout over approximately 10 years. When fully constructed, this campus would include up to 11 buildings with 330 full time employees.
Power
Prologis is committed to funding 100% of power system upgrades required to serve the site, along with 100% of all utility costs. These improvements will strengthen the broader utility network at no cost to the taxpayer.
Water
Project Hackman will utilize a closed-loop, air-cooled system with water use comparable to that of 55 acres of irrigated agriculture land. There will be no use of groundwater or private wells.
Traffic & Access
Project Hackman is designed to have immediate access to Interstate 74 for efficient traffic management, ensuring the lowest possible impact on the community. Once construction is complete, truck traffic will be minimal.
Lighting & Noise
Project Hackman will utilize dark sky-compliant exterior lighting that minimizes light pollution. The project is designed to meet all requirements in Shelbyville’s noise ordinances.
Site Screening
Project Hackman has been designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. Berms and carefully selected landscaping will provide effective screening, helping to ensure the building remains discreet and visually unobtrusive.
Delivering Long-Term Value for Shelbyville
From initial construction to long-term operations, Project Hackman will create real economic opportunities for Shelbyville and the surrounding region. The project is estimated to support 330 full-time jobs upon full build out, including skilled roles in IT, engineering, facilities management and operations.
Beyond jobs, Project Hackman represents significant private real property investment in Shelbyville of up to $2 billion. This will generate consistent revenue that will lower the property tax burden on everyone in the community and help fund the priorities residents care about most, such as roads, emergency services and local schools.
One of the greatest factors in home values and community prosperity is the quality of local schools and services, and this project will provide historic funding for both. The meaningful revenue this project will bring to the City of Shelbyville and Shelbyville Central Schools will allow for significant improvements to emergency services, public infrastructure and educational opportunities for decades to come.
Prologis will cover all costs of infrastructure directly tied to our developments. We will work in coordination with local governments and utilities as early as possible to make sure all improvements are funded privately, not by residents. We’re committed to ensuring that the benefits from this project stay right here in Shelbyville.
Water
Project Hackman is designed with a closed-loop, air-cooled system that uses water equivalent to 55 acres of irrigated agriculture land. We project daily usage on the site to be _300,000_ gallons per day. Because this system recirculates water, overall water use is comparable to, and often lower than, other commercial or industrial facilities of similar size. The project will not draw from local groundwater or any private wells.
The closed-loop cooling system uses water and non-toxic demineralization agents. When the system is flushed, this is done in sections at a time, with the water then sent to the municipal sewer system for treatment. There is no pretreatment necessary for the discharged water.
Prologis will pay for any wastewater improvements necessary for our volume and will work with city engineers to determine what improvements, if any, are needed. If any improvements are necessary, Prologis will cover the costs.
Stormwater & Flood Protection
As part of the development process, we will conduct extensive civil engineering work. Our initial plans include six to seven stormwater retention ponds designed to control runoff and protect surrounding properties.
We’ve engaged experienced civil engineers to design comprehensive grading and stormwater management plans. These plans are built to meet or exceed all state and local standards while following best practices for controlling runoff, erosion, and sediment.
A portion of the site includes designated floodplain. The project is not planned for development within this area. Any impacts would be minimal and carefully managed in accordance with local floodplain regulations, ensuring the project meets all required standards.
Energy & Grid Reliability
Prologis is committed to covering 100% of the power-system upgrades needed to serve the site and will pay for 100% of all utility costs associated with the project.
Project Hackman is required to directly pay for any improvements necessary for our service connection, ensuring these costs are not passed on to residential ratepayers. These improvements will strengthen the broader utility network and benefit the entire community at no cost to taxpayers or ratepayers.
A common concern is whether data centers drive up electricity bills for existing customers. Recent research from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab found that rising electricity rates are primarily driven by the cost of replacing aging poles, wires and transformers, plus investments to guard against storms and other extreme weather. In fact, the study found that in states with significant load growth, retail electricity prices tended to decrease because fixed grid costs were spread across more customers.
The key factor is how infrastructure costs are allocated. Because Prologis will fund the upgrades required to serve our facility, those costs will fall entirely on Prologis, not the existing residential or commercial customers. This approach ensures the community benefits from a stronger grid without bearing any of the expense.
Our goal is to keep Project Hackman as discreet as possible. Prologis is committed to thoughtful site planning that respects Shelbyville’s community character. The project incorporates multiple design elements to minimize visual and environmental impact:
- Thoughtful building placement with appropriate setbacks from public roads and neighboring properties
- Landscaping buffers using native vegetation to screen the facility from view of neighboring properties
- Neutral building materials and colors that harmonize with the surrounding landscape
- Minimal signage to maintain the area’s character
- Dark sky-compliant lighting that points downward and operates only when needed, using timers and sensors
Local feedback has led us to adjust site layouts, strengthen buffers and refine designs to reduce visibility and impact. We’re committed to making this project fit respectfully into its setting, protecting views and preserving the character of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this site selected?
This location was chosen for several reasons. The site’s immediate access to Interstate 74 allows us to manage traffic efficiently during construction and operations. Proximity to existing power infrastructure means energy can be delivered without the need for new transmission lines through other parts of the community, minimizing disruption.
Additionally, roughly 30% of the site is already zoned and entitled for this type of use. The current request is to voluntarily annex additional adjacent land with the same use, aligning with previous planning and the surrounding area. We recognize and respect Shelbyville’s community character, which is why we’ve focused on a site that limits broader impact and delivers real, lasting value to the community.
Is this project for AI or cloud computing?
This type of project could be used for either cloud or AI computing. The end use will be determined by the tenant(s) who lease the facilities. Prologis is the developer and owner of these buildings. They will be leased by one of five customers and may be utilized for cloud computing, AI or a mixture of both.
How long will construction take?
The full buildout of the entire project as currently planned would take approximately 10 years, completed in phases. This phased approach allows construction impacts to be managed over time and coordinate closely with local officials throughout the process.
Will the project increase traffic or noise?
We understand these are real concerns, and we’re addressing them with care and experience.
On traffic: One of the reasons the site was selected is the adjacency to Interstate 74, which helps manage traffic. During construction, we’ll work closely with local officials to manage vehicle flow and make road improvements where needed. Once construction is complete, truck traffic will be minimal.
On noise: Project Hackman is in the process of completing an ambient noise study and will be held to a limit linked to the ambient measurements at the site. This project will incorporate appropriate soundproofing into the design. Prologis has been building and operating data centers for over 25 years and is committed to doing it the right way: with the lowest impact possible and respect for the community.
Will this project affect water, wells or power rates?
These are important questions, and we’re committed to providing clear, honest answers.
Private Wells: Local groundwater will not be drawn from for this project. Therefore, there will be no impact on groundwater levels or private wells. The project will use municipal water only.
Water Use: The project is designed with a closed-loop cooling system. Water usage will be equivalent to 55 acres of irrigated agriculture land, which is significantly lower than typical industrial uses.
Power Rates: Prologis is committed to funding 100% of the power-system upgrades needed to serve the site, along with 100% of all utility costs. Our project is required to directly pay for any improvements necessary for our service connection at no cost to the taxpayer. These improvements strengthen the broader utility network without impacting residential electric rates.
How are backup generators and fire safety managed?
Backup generators are there only for emergencies, like a power outage and for limited testing to make sure they work when needed. They run infrequently, are heavily regulated for noise and air emissions, and are designed and maintained to operate safely without affecting everyday conditions in the community.
Data centers are built with extensive fire protection systems and are designed to meet all applicable safety codes. We coordinate with local emergency services to ensure they have the information and access needed.
Will taxpayers pay for new roads or utilities?
No. Prologis will cover all the costs of infrastructure directly tied to our developments. We will coordinate as early as possible with local governments and utilities to ensure that all improvements are funded privately, not by residents. Our project is required to directly pay for any improvements necessary for our service connections, including road improvements, power system upgrades and any wastewater improvements.
Will there be a lot of light at night?
No. The project is designed with dark sky-compliant exterior lighting. Dark sky-compliant means outdoor lighting that minimizes light pollution by being fully shielded (pointing downward), using warm-toned lights, being no brighter than necessary, and only operating when needed using timers and sensors. This approach preserves natural darkness, protects wildlife, saves energy, and improves well-being for nearby residents.
Will the project impact the floodplain and creeks?
No, the site plan is intentionally designed to avoid impacting the floodplain and creeks. Any floodplain impacts would need to comply with flood hazard area standards defined in the Shelbyville Chapter 1359. Initial plans include eight stormwater detention ponds designed to meet or exceed all state and local standards for controlling runoff and protecting surrounding areas.
What happens if demand for data centers declines in the future?
Data centers are built to support services people and businesses rely on every day, and demand for digital infrastructure is expected to grow for decades.
These projects are typically backed by long-term customer commitments. Prologis currently owns 30 data centers within our portfolio, with some being over 30 years old and still in active use.
Why should the community believe Prologis will keep its commitments?
For more than 40 years Prologis has been working closely with local leaders and community stakeholders to deliver projects that create real, lasting value- supporting local jobs, generating reliable tax revenue and helping attract businesses that strengthen communities.
We have been active in the Indianapolis market for over 30 years, with developments across the state and more than 40 local employees. We have been building and operating data centers for more than 25 years, and our long-term success depends on strong, transparent relationships with communities and regulators alike. When we invest, we do so with the intention of being a committed and collaborative community partner.
With this project, our priority is to deliver lasting benefits for Shelbyville through significant local investment, job creation and infrastructure improvements. We aim to be a trusted partner to the Shelbyville community and look forward to ongoing dialogue about how this project can best support local needs and priorities.
