'Small-scale' data center proposed at building that houses Starbucks' Seattle headquarters

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Starbucks Center data center plans move forward with updated details

   A developer’s proposal for a small-scale data center in a vacant former Amazon Fresh space at the Starbucks Center in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood remains under review. The project, targeting 45,600 sq ft and capped at 20 megavolt-amperes, avoids the city’s moratorium on larger facilities. Starbucks has not commented, and approval hinges on zoning and safety checks. The plans could influence future small-scale data center approvals in the city.

   What's confirmed:

   • A developer has submitted plans for a 45,600 sq ft data center in the Starbucks Center’s former Amazon Fresh space, targeting operation at or below 20 megavolt-amperes.
   • The project is located in the Sodo neighborhood, where Starbucks maintains its corporate headquarters.
   • The proposal avoids Seattle’s one-year moratorium on larger data centers by staying under the 20 megavolt-ampere threshold.
   • Starbucks has not issued any public comment on the proposed data center.
   • Approval of the project remains contingent on zoning and safety reviews.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The conceptual site application was filed by the co-owners of the Starbucks Center, though no further details on their identity or involvement have been confirmed.
   confidence 92%
2. 3h ago

   Starbucks HQ building in Sodo eyed for 45,600 sq ft data center under moratorium loophole

   A developer has submitted plans for a small-scale data center at the Starbucks Center in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood, targeting a former Amazon Fresh space. The proposed 45,600 sq ft facility would operate at or below 20 megavolt-amperes, avoiding the city’s new one-year moratorium on larger data centers. Starbucks has not commented on the plans, which remain subject to zoning and safety review. The project could set a precedent for future small-scale data center approvals in Seattle.

   What's confirmed:

   • Colossus Data Center Advisors filed plans for a 45,600-square-foot data center at 2401 Utah Ave. S., the site of a former Amazon Fresh retail and distribution center within the Starbucks Center.
   • The proposed facility would have a total capacity at or below 20 megavolt-amperes (20 megawatts), placing it under Seattle’s new one-year moratorium on data centers exceeding that threshold.
   • The moratorium, passed by the City Council, still allows new facilities under the 20 megavolt-amperes limit and may be extended for another six months.
   • The data center would occupy space previously used by Amazon Fresh, which closed its Seattle location in January 2024.
   • Site plans and listings by Kidder Mathews reference the conversion of two buildings for the data center, including external cooling and backup generators.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The project could reshape how Seattle balances tech growth with environmental and urban limits, though this remains speculative pending city approvals.
   • Starbucks may not be directly involved in the development, but the company has not publicly addressed the plans.
   • Other data center proposals in Sodo and downtown Seattle are under review, with uncertainty over their compliance with the moratorium.
   confidence 95%