OpenAI, Oracle, and Vantage Data Centers, a global leader in hyperscale data center campuses, announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art data center campus in Port Washington, Wisconsin, just north of Milwaukee.
The new facility marks a key milestone in OpenAI and Oracle’s previously announced partnership to invest up to 4.5 gigawatts of additional Stargate capacity. The Port Washington site represents the Midwest’s flagship location in OpenAI’s growing Stargate expansion, which aims to power the next generation of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Once completed, the Wisconsin campus will feature four advanced data centers providing nearly one gigawatt of AI computing capacity. Construction is set to begin soon, with completion targeted for 2028. The project is expected to create over 4,000 skilled union construction jobs and, upon completion, generate more than 1,000 permanent positions along with thousands of indirect jobs throughout the region.
Together with other Stargate developments built in collaboration with Oracle, this campus will contribute to a combined 4.5 gigawatts of total IT capacity, supporting OpenAI’s growing compute needs and the broader AI ecosystem.
“Expanding Stargate to Wisconsin is another major step toward building the infrastructure that will help ensure everyone can benefit from AI,” said Peter Hoeschele, OpenAI’s vice president of industrial compute. “This project will create good jobs, advance zero-emission energy and boost the local economy—all while expanding capacity without raising rates for local consumers. We’re grateful to our partners at Oracle, Vantage and We Energies, as well as the many manufacturers, builders and suppliers across the region, for helping bring this ambitious vision to life.”
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“We’re pleased to work with Vantage Data Centers as we continue to rapidly expand our cloud capacity to meet the growing demand for AI,” said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “Oracle’s highly performant, secure and cost-effective AI infrastructure is fueling a new era of innovation that will fortify American leadership in AI worldwide.”
“As demand for data centers expands beyond traditional hubs, the upper Midwest has become a critical and strategic market for Vantage Data Centers and our customers,” said Dana Adams, president of North America, Vantage Data Centers. “Our investment in Wisconsin reflects the area’s strong foundation for digital growth to support sustainable AI innovation at scale. Vantage is committed to being a good neighbor and is prioritizing investing in sustainable energy, minimizing local impact and partnering closely with the community to be an economic driver for the state.”
“The benefits of welcoming data centers to Port Washington are undeniable. Vantage’s once in a generation investment will create thousands of high-paying jobs—including more than 4,000 union-led construction and operational roles—driving long-term economic ripple effects across the region,” said Mayor Ted Neitzke IV, Port Washington. “This investment will allow us to further strengthen public services and community development, enhancing the quality of life for our residents. We are proud to establish this partnership with Vantage and look forward to working closely with their team to progress this development while improving our city.”
“We are profoundly grateful for Vantage’s transformative investment in Port Washington and the Milwaukee Region,” said Rebecca Gries, executive director of the Milwaukee 7, the regional economic development organization. “This commitment represents far more than a single project—it’s a catalyst for regional transformation. By strengthening our position as a premier destination for innovation, talent and growth, Vantage’s investment will create ripples of opportunity that extend well beyond the campus itself. From small businesses and manufacturers to housing and community development across all seven counties, this momentum will help shape the future of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy for generations to come.”
“By working with Vantage, we’re delivering new clean energy for the Lighthouse campus and generating lasting benefits for Wisconsin,” said Scott Lauber, president and CEO, WEC Energy Group. “Together with Vantage, we are adding nearly two gigawatts of new energy to the grid, 30% of which will be dedicated to the homes, farms and other businesses we serve today. This unique and thoughtful strategy will deliver growth without raising rates for our other customers, aligning with our shared commitment to reliability, sustainability and a positive community impact.”