Patmos executives detail plans for $150 million Fairfield data center

The Missouri-based AI infrastructure firm aiming to transform a long-vacant Fairfield property into a new $150 million data center is moving to distinguish itself from previous industry players. Executives from Patmos Hosting recently sat down with Fairfield Mayor Herman Carnes, Jr. to field questions about the project, which targets the site of the former Walmart Supercenter.

A New Life for Vacant Space

For CEO and founder John Johnson, Fairfield’s existing infrastructure made it a perfect fit. The company specializes in identifying abandoned, large-scale structures to repurpose them for modern technology. "There’s a building that’s abandoned, and power. That’s our sweet spot," Johnson stated during the town hall. "We take old, ugly buildings, and we recycle them."

More than 300 residents filled the Fairfield Civic Center for the two-hour Q&A session on Wednesday. While the company has confirmed a committed, albeit unnamed, customer for the site, they emphasized that Patmos will remain the sole owner of the data center.

Operations and Economic Impact

The site is slated to launch with 20 megawatts of power capacity via Alabama Power, with plans to scale to 45 megawatts by 2028. Patmos confirmed it would cover all necessary upgrades to the grid. The facility will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, requiring approximately 10,000 gallons of water per day.

Employment-wise, the project aims to create 50 long-term, high-paying operational roles, with salary ranges between $80,000 and $150,000. These positions range from senior engineers and mechanical specialists to 24/7 security personnel.

Community Concerns

The meeting highlighted lingering community anxieties, particularly regarding noise levels and environmental impact. Referencing ongoing litigation elsewhere involving noise complaints, residents questioned Patmos's mitigation strategies. Johnson insisted the facility would operate at a sound level no higher than 72 decibels, comparing the sound of the 10 backup diesel generators to that of a weedwhacker.

Representatives from the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution questioned how the site would affect air quality. Patmos executives responded by noting their commitment to on-site air quality monitoring.

Company Background and Vision

Founded in 2022, Patmos brands itself with a focus on "free speech and a freer Internet." The company’s client roster includes conservative commentator Candace Owens. According to Data Center Dynamics, the company operates or has proposed sites across Missouri, Texas, and Arizona. Their current footprint includes Kansas City, where they share ties to Nebius Inc., a firm currently involved in controversial development in Oxmoor Valley.

As the company moves through the permitting phase for the 7201 Aaron Aronov Dr. location, they project an annual contribution of $3 million in real property taxes to the city. While no local incentives have been requested yet, any such agreement would require future approval from the city council.