A major new data center is being planned for Polk County, Florida, with developers looking to transform two existing warehouses in Auburndale into a large technology facility. The proposal has raised questions about electricity demand, water consumption, and the potential impact on surrounding communities, although the company behind the project insists it has taken steps to address those concerns.
The development, known as the Auburndale Technology Center, is being proposed by Texas-based Hillwood Development Company. According to The Ledger, the facility would occupy two vacant warehouse buildings at 810 Pace Road, covering approximately 500,000 square feet on a 75-acre property near Florida Polytechnic University.
The buildings were completed in 2025, and Hillwood’s subsidiary purchased the property for approximately $95.2 million that December. On November 4, 2026, the developer submitted plans to convert the buildings into a data center. Auburndale officials have confirmed that the property was already approved for industrial uses, including data centers, meaning the project does not require another City Commission zoning approval.
How Much Electricity and Water Would the Polk County Data Center Use?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the project is its electricity demand. The first phase is expected to require approximately 350 megawatts of power, with the full development potentially reaching 700 megawatts, according to Tampa Bay 28.
Tampa Electric Company would supply the electricity. However, Hillwood says it will cover the costs of generating and delivering power to the facility rather than passing those infrastructure expenses on to residential customers. Florida also enacted legislation earlier this year intended to protect utility customers from costs associated with large data centers.
Water consumption is another concern. Hillwood estimates that the facility would use approximately 4,665 gallons of water per day, relying on a closed-loop cooling system that continuously recirculates water. The developer argues that this approach would significantly reduce water demand compared with conventional cooling methods.
Beyond electricity and water, the company says the development could bring substantial economic benefits to Polk County. Its projections include nearly 300 permanent jobs, approximately 1,300 construction jobs at peak activity, and more than $1.4 billion in tax revenue over 15 years. These are developer estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Auburndale Officials Schedule Special Meeting as Concerns Grow
The proposal has attracted attention from residents and local officials, particularly as other data center developments across Polk County have faced opposition over their potential environmental and infrastructure impacts.
Auburndale’s City Commission has scheduled a special workshop for November 10, 2026, to discuss the project. The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Ariana Civic Center, giving officials an opportunity to examine the proposal and hear concerns.
However, the city has emphasized that the property already has the necessary industrial zoning. As a result, the workshop does not represent a new vote on whether the data center should be permitted.
The project has also sparked discussion on Reddit’s r/florida community, where some users questioned its location and potential effects on nearby neighborhoods. One commenter claimed, “This one is going to be built in the middle of a small neighborhood off of Pace Road.” Another was more dismissive of the proposal, writing, “That’s so goofy. Nobody wants this.” However, those reactions do not necessarily reflect the views of the wider community.
For now, the Auburndale Technology Center remains a planned development rather than an operating facility. Hillwood expects the first buildings to become operational by 2029, although the timeline could change. With questions surrounding the project’s electricity needs, environmental impact, and economic benefits, the coming months will be important in determining how the development takes shape.
