Heath datacenter construction updates

Microsoft is building a datacenter in the City of Heath, Licking County.

Why datacenters are needed

Datacenters provide the physical infrastructure for the technology we depend on at work and in our personal lives. Whenever you open an app on your phone, join a virtual classroom or meeting, snap and save photos, or play a game with your friends online, you are using a datacenter. Local businesses, government, hospitals, and schools rely on datacenters every day to deliver goods and services to you.

Construction update—March 2026

Site preparation begins at Heath datacenter site

In the coming weeks, neighbors will see the initial activity on the site. Work will start with the removal of trees. Felled trees will be staged on site and processed with a woodchipper at a later time. Some logs may be removed from the site for reuse.

Equipment used during tree removal will include chainsaws, large trucks, forestry-industry heavy equipment, and woodchippers. Crews will access the site using a construction entrance off Thornwood Drive. A second construction access road will be added off Lees Road in the near future.

The tree removal activity is expected to last approximately one week, not counting the wood chipping at a later date.

Early site preparation is anticipated to be substantially complete by the end of the year. A timeline for vertical construction has not yet been determined.

We encourage neighbors to check back regularly for updates as work progresses. For questions or concerns, please contact the project team at 380-267-4449 or info@msftheathdatacenter.com.

Construction update—February 2026

Microsoft has contracted Ames Construction as the general contractor for the Heath datacenter in Ohio.

Mass grading construction is estimated to begin in February and completed in November 2026.

• Together with our general contractor Ames Construction, we will keep neighbors informed in advance of construction work.
• Completion of construction does not indicate datacenter operation/availability.

Construction hours

Permitted construction hours are Monday to Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM with Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Staying connected

We will keep the community up to date via our Ohio page on the Microsoft in Your Community blog.

For construction related questions, email info@msftheathdatacenter.com or leave a message at 380-267-4449.

For community-related questions, email us at ColumbusDC@microsoft.com or leave a message at 513-301-1414.