Demand for data center space overshadowed economic uncertainty and concerns around power availability in the first half of the year. Construction of North American data centers is at an all-time high in part due to the continued growth of artificial intelligence, according to CBRE.
CBRE’s latest North American Data Center Trends Report found there is 2,287.6 megawatts (MW) of data center supply currently under construction in primary markets, reaching a new all-time high with more than 70% already preleased. At the same time last year, there was 1,830.3 MW under construction. Companies are leasing space up to 36 months in advance of construction completion in anticipation of future demand and to secure data center space at current pricing.
“Data center construction is at an all-time high, driven by strong demand from all users, including AI, hyperscale and enterprise,” said Pat Lynch, executive managing director for CBRE’s Data Centers Solution. “New and existing uses of artificial intelligence cases grew tremendously in the first half of the year, and we expect demand to remain strong with AI driving leasing opportunities in the second half of the year.”
Absorption in the eight primary U.S. data center markets* remained resilient in H1 2023, totaling 468.8 MW despite challenges within the supply chain. While supply increased 19.2% year-over-year, vacancy remains near a record low of 3.3%. Strong demand paired with a lack of available power and extended timelines have kept asking rental rates climbing. Average primary market asking rents rose to $147.80 per kW/month from $127.50 (a 15.9% year-over-year increase).
Top Data Center Construction Markets
Northern Virginia remained the most active data center market in the first half of 2023 with 918 MW under construction. The market set a record low vacancy rate of 0.94% while power improvement projects are underway. Separately, Chicago recorded a 125% spike in under-construction activity - the largest increase among all U.S. data center markets.
“Most major markets are grappling with power constraints, and developers are facing challenges within their supply chain, but it’s not slowing down the demand for data center space,” said Gordon Dolven, director of Americas Data Center Research at CBRE. “Data center operators are prioritizing power availability, rather than selecting markets based on traditional factors such as location, connectivity, water and land pricing.”
| Top 10 most active data center construction markets | ||
| Market | H1 2023 Total Inventory | H1 2023 Under Construction |
| Northern Virginia | 2,254.1 MW | 918 MW |
| Hillsboro | 248.4 MW | 267.3 MW |
| Silicon Valley | 410.7 MW | 125 MW |
| Chicago | 367.5 MW | 205 MW |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | 499.4 MW | 273.3 MW |
| Phoenix | 360 MW | 163.5 MW |
| Toronto | 291.3 MW | 99.6 MW |
| New York Tri-State | 177.5 MW | 99.9 MW |
| Atlanta | 271 MW | 235.6 MW |
| Montreal | 135.5 MW | 106.5 MW |
Other market highlights include Dallas-Fort Worth, which saw the greatest year-over-year increase in absorption of 327%, jumping to 110.6 MW from 25.89 MW. Hillsboro also experienced the largest inventory growth of all primary markets, increasing to 248.4 MW from 139.4 MW (78% year-over-year growth).
To view the full report, click here.
Related Stories
Data Centers | Feb 22, 2018
Demand for ‘hyperscale’ data centers continues to grow; U.S. leads the way
The number of so-called “hyperscale” data centers worldwide surpassed 390 at the end of 2017, with 69 more facilities in the works, according to Synergy Research Group.
Giants 400 | Oct 16, 2017
Data center market forecast: Clearly cloudy
Look for mission-critical construction to double in the next few years.
Data Centers | Oct 13, 2017
Top 35 data center construction firms
Turner Construction Co., Holder Construction, and DPR Constrcution top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest data center sector contractors and construction management firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 12, 2017
Top 30 data center engineering firms
Syska Hennessy Group, AECOM, and Morrison Hershfield top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest data center sector engineering and EA firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Oct 11, 2017
Top 25 data center architecture firms
Jacobs, Corgan, and Gensler top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest data center sector architecture and AE firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Data Centers | Aug 28, 2017
Do AEC firms have the wattage to meet the demands of a charged-up data center sector?
As construction and leasing surge, one big contractor worries about his industry’s talent shortage.
Data Centers | Aug 16, 2017
The world’s largest data center is being built 140 miles north of the Arctic Circle
The 600,000-sm facility will be on a secure property surrounded by a moat.
Healthcare Facilities | Jul 25, 2017
Healthcare technology: Preparing for the world of tomorrow
This article outlines the current data center landscape in the healthcare sector, industry trends, and challenges and opportunities new technologies present to the healthcare space.
Data Centers | Jul 21, 2017
Operational wellness was an objective for a new 911 call center near San Antonio
The Operations Center consolidates activities that previously were being handled at 25 locations.
Data Centers | Oct 14, 2016
Where data centers meet design
As technology continues to evolve, we have to simultaneously adapt and help our clients think beyond the short term, writes Gensler's Martin Gollwitzer.
