Patmos executives detail plans for $150 million Fairfield data center

Patmos Hosting is aiming to transform a long-vacant piece of Fairfield real estate into a high-tech hub. The Missouri-based AI infrastructure firm recently detailed its plans for a new $150 million data center, marking a potential turning point for the city’s shuttered Walmart Supercenter, which has sat empty for a decade.

A New Life for Old Infrastructure

During a two-hour town hall at the Fairfield Civic Center, CEO and founder John Johnson pitched his company’s vision to a crowd of over 300 residents. Johnson framed the project as a form of urban renewal. "There’s a building that’s abandoned, and power. That’s our sweet spot. We take old, ugly buildings, and we recycle them," he told the audience. "If I had an abandoned super Walmart a few miles from me, I’d be begging for something like this."

Operations and Economic Impact

Patmos plans to launch the facility with 20 megawatts of power capacity, with a target to reach 45 megawatts by 2028 through Alabama Power, with the company covering all necessary infrastructure upgrades. While the facility's anchor tenant remains private, Patmos expects the project to generate roughly 50 long-term jobs. These operational roles, which include engineering and site management positions, come with projected salaries ranging from $80,000 to $150,000. Additionally, the company anticipates contributing approximately $3 million annually in real property taxes.

Addressing Resident Concerns

The meeting drew intense scrutiny from community members, who pressed executives on issues ranging from noise levels to environmental impact. Some residents cited ongoing litigation elsewhere involving data center noise, prompting concerns about quality of life. Patmos executives maintained that the facility would operate at no more than 72 decibels from the inside, likening the sound of their backup generators to a weedwhacker.

Barbara Jackson, an organizer with the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, raised concerns regarding air quality and the proximity of industrial projects to marginalized communities. In response, Patmos officials confirmed the site will utilize 10 diesel generators for emergency backup and committed to conducting on-site air quality monitoring.

The Patmos Portfolio

Founded in 2022 on a platform of "free speech and freer Internet," Patmos serves a diverse client base, including conservative commentator Candace Owens. The company currently operates or has projects proposed in Missouri, Texas, and Arizona, according to Data Center Dynamics. Its network includes customers such as Nebius Inc., which is simultaneously pursuing a separate, controversial data center development in the nearby Oxmoor Valley.

As of now, Patmos is in the permitting phase with the city and holds a contract to acquire the 7201 Aaron Aronov Dr. property. While the company has not yet requested formal tax incentives from Fairfield, any such move would require subsequent approval by the city council.