Welcome to the fourth edition of Building the Future.
The past month has been a whirlwind of massive investments, major expansion plans, and bold new initiatives that are reshaping the U.S. data center and advanced manufacturing sectors.
As AI-driven demand skyrockets, we’re seeing unprecedented capital flow into new infrastructure, with companies betting big on the future of technology, energy, and industrial production.
New construction projects are breaking ground, data center operators are rapidly scaling their footprints, and global firms are making aggressive moves into the U.S. market.
Meanwhile, major general contractors are repositioning themselves to meet the surging demand for high-tech facilities, launching dedicated divisions focused on advanced manufacturing and semiconductor construction.
The scale of investment pouring into the sector—from AI infrastructure to next-generation aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing—is unlike anything we’ve seen before.
With billions in funding secured, new players emerging, and rapid expansion across industries, the momentum shows no signs of slowing.
In this edition, we break down the biggest announcements shaping the future—In 2025, the future isn’t just coming. It’s being built.
AREP Launches $309 Million Data Center Investment Fund
American Real Estate Partners (AREP) has successfully closed its fourth real estate GP fund, the AREP Strategic Opportunity Fund IV, amassing $309 Million in equity commitments.
Notably, approximately 80% of this fund is allocated to expanding AREP’s Data Center platform, PowerHouse Data Centers, which is actively developing facilities across the nation.
“The pivot into data centers and digital infrastructure is the result of our team’s deliberate, long-term strategy to invest in sectors that drive tomorrow’s economy. Our approach didn’t just follow industry trends – it helped reshape them.” commented Brian Katz, President & Co-Founder.
This substantial investment underscores AREP’s strategic emphasis on Data Centers to meet the escalating demand for data processing and storage solutions.
Stargate Project: A $500 Billion AI Infrastructure Initiative
In a landmark announcement on January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the Stargate Project, a collaborative venture involving OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank Group Corp.
The initiative aims to invest up to $500 Billion over four years to construct data centers and power generation facilities essential for AI development, starting with an initial $100 Billion deployment in Texas.
This project signifies a monumental step in bolstering the nation’s AI capabilities and infrastructure.
Microsoft’s $80 Billion Data Center Expansion
Microsoft has announced plans to invest $80 Billion in data center infrastructure throughout 2025.
This ambitious expansion is primarily focused on the U.S. aiming to support the increasing demand for cloud services and AI applications.
The investment highlights Microsoft’s dedication to scaling its operations and infrastructure to meet evolving technological needs.
DAMAC’s $20 Billion U.S. Data Center Expansion
Dubai-based DAMAC Properties has announced a strategic entry into the U.S. data center market through its subsidiary, Edgnex Data Centers by DAMAC.
The company plans to invest an initial $20 Billion to develop state-of-the-art data centers targeting a 2,000MW capacity over the next four years, with potential to double the investment based on future demand.
The expansion will focus on key regions, including Sunbelt states such as Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, as well as Midwest states like Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana.
This initiative aligns with EDGNEX’s commitment to building world-class digital infrastructure platforms that cater to hyperscalers, AI enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies, fostering innovation and delivering sustainable, high-quality infrastructure.
Novva Secures $2 Billion for Utah Data Center Expansion
Novva Data Centers, in partnership with CIM Group, has secured a $2 Billion loan from JPMorganChase and Starwood Property Trust to expand its West Jordan campus near Salt Lake City, Utah.
The 100-acre facility will add two buildings, providing an additional 144 MW of capacity, supporting the increasing demand for AI applications that require advanced chips and substantial power.
The expansion will feature advanced cooling systems to address water scarcity in the region and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Skanska Launches Advanced Technology Unit
Skanska USA has established Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT), a specialized unit focused on high-tech and semiconductor manufacturing projects.
Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT) employs more than 180 construction professionals with current projects across Oregon, California and Arizona.
The business unit has been developed to help Skanska meet the huge demand for high-tech construction projects.
Skanska has a strong track record in the Advanced Tech space with $23 Billion’s worth of projects either completed or under construction.
Katie Coulson, Executive Vice President & General Manager will lead the division.
Boeing’s $1 Billion South Carolina Expansion
Boeing has selected a joint venture between BE&K Building Group and HITT Contracting Inc. to manage infrastructure upgrades as part of its $1 Billion expansion in Charleston, South Carolina.
This expansion aims to increase production of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft, with the goal of reaching a production rate of 10 airplanes per month by 2026.
The project is expected to add 500 new jobs to Boeing’s South Carolina operations, which currently employ over 7,800 individuals.
Construction is set to begin later this year, with completion anticipated in early 2027.
Apple’s $500 Billion U.S. Investment
Apple has announced plans to invest over $500 Billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
This investment includes establishing a new manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, dedicated to producing server components for AI applications.
The 250,000-square-foot facility is expected to create thousands of jobs and support the integration of AI across Apple’s product lines.
This initiative underscores Apple’s commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing and advancing AI technologies.
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