Virginia, October 25, 2025
Menlo Digital has officially commenced construction of a significant 48 MW data center in Virginia. This project is set to enhance the region’s technological infrastructure, addressing the increasing demand for cloud computing and data storage solutions. As the tech industry continues to grow, this facility aims to support businesses and consumers by providing robust data management capabilities.
Herndon, Virginia
Menlo Digital has commenced construction on a 48-megawatt (MW) data center in Herndon, Virginia, marking a significant expansion in the region’s technological infrastructure.
Project Overview
The new facility, known as MD-DC1, is a two-story, 307,000-square-foot data center located at 13775 McLearen Road. It is designed to provide 48 MW of critical IT capacity, supporting the growing demands for cloud computing and data storage solutions. Clune Construction is serving as the general contractor for this project.
Strategic Location
Situated along the Route 28 corridor in Northern Virginia, the site is less than two miles from Washington Dulles International Airport. This prime location offers logistical advantages for national and global operations, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for businesses utilizing the data center.
Power Infrastructure
The facility will be supported by 67.2 MW of utility power from Dominion Energy Virginia’s Lincoln Park Substation, which was completed and energized in December 2024. This robust power infrastructure ensures reliable and scalable energy supply for the data center’s operations.
Development Timeline
Construction on the MD-DC1 data center began in the first quarter of 2025. The facility is scheduled to deliver initial power by the first quarter of 2026, with a powered shell available by the second quarter of 2026. This timeline reflects Menlo Digital’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for data center services in the region.
Company Background
Menlo Digital, a dedicated data center platform of Menlo Equities, has a national development pipeline exceeding 1.8 GW across key markets, including Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Silicon Valley, Dallas, and Chicago. The Herndon development is part of this broader expansion strategy, underscoring Menlo’s capabilities in executing large-scale data center projects in key growth markets.
Previous Site Usage
The site at 13775 McLearen Road was previously home to a 2 MW data center and office property operated by Orange Business Services. The previous building, constructed in phases between 1984 and 1989, featured a 28,750-square-foot data center. Orange, and its predecessor Equant, had occupied the site since at least the early 2000s. The previous structure has since been demolished to make way for the new development.
State Incentives
The MD-DC1 data center project benefits from Virginia’s data center tax exemptions, which cover qualifying equipment purchases linked to significant investment and job creation benchmarks. These incentives are designed to attract and support large-scale data center developments in the state, contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.
Future Developments
In addition to the Herndon project, Menlo Digital is developing several other data centers in Virginia. Notably, a 144 MW, 600,740-square-foot facility in Loudoun County’s Sterling is scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2028. Further south in Richmond, the company is planning a 300 MW campus totaling 1.2 million square feet across 74 acres. These developments reflect Menlo Digital’s ongoing commitment to expanding its data center footprint in Virginia to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure.
Conclusion
The commencement of the MD-DC1 data center in Herndon represents a significant investment in Virginia’s technological infrastructure. With its strategic location, robust power supply, and alignment with state incentives, the facility is poised to support the evolving needs of businesses and contribute to the region’s economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the MD-DC1 data center?
The MD-DC1 data center is a two-story, 307,000-square-foot facility located at 13775 McLearen Road in Herndon, Virginia. It is designed to provide 48 MW of critical IT capacity, supporting the growing demands for cloud computing and data storage solutions.
Who is developing the MD-DC1 data center?
The MD-DC1 data center is being developed by Menlo Digital, a dedicated data center platform of Menlo Equities. Clune Construction is serving as the general contractor for this project.
When did construction begin on the MD-DC1 data center?
Construction on the MD-DC1 data center began in the first quarter of 2025. The facility is scheduled to deliver initial power by the first quarter of 2026, with a powered shell available by the second quarter of 2026.
What is the significance of the MD-DC1 data center’s location?
The MD-DC1 data center is situated along the Route 28 corridor in Northern Virginia, less than two miles from Washington Dulles International Airport. This prime location offers logistical advantages for national and global operations, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for businesses utilizing the data center.
What power infrastructure supports the MD-DC1 data center?
The facility will be supported by 67.2 MW of utility power from Dominion Energy Virginia’s Lincoln Park Substation, which was completed and energized in December 2024. This robust power infrastructure ensures reliable and scalable energy supply for the data center’s operations.
What incentives does the MD-DC1 data center project benefit from?
The MD-DC1 data center project benefits from Virginia’s data center tax exemptions, which cover qualifying equipment purchases linked to significant investment and job creation benchmarks. These incentives are designed to attract and support large-scale data center developments in the state, contributing to economic growth and technological advancement.
What other data center developments is Menlo Digital undertaking in Virginia?
In addition to the Herndon project, Menlo Digital is developing a 144 MW, 600,740-square-foot facility in Loudoun County’s Sterling, scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2028. Further south in Richmond, the company is planning a 300 MW campus totaling 1.2 million square feet across 74 acres. These developments reflect Menlo Digital’s ongoing commitment to expanding its data center footprint in Virginia to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure.
Key Features of the MD-DC1 Data Center
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 13775 McLearen Road |
| Size | 307,000-square-foot |
| Story | Two-story |
| Capacity | 48 MW of critical IT capacity |
| Developer | Menlo Digital |
| General contractor | Clune Construction |
| Power infrastructure | 67.2 MW from Dominion Energy Virginia’s Lincoln Park Substation |
| Timeline | Construction began Q1 2025; initial power Q1 2026; powered shell Q2 2026 |
| Strategic location | Route 28 corridor; less than two miles from Dulles International Airport |
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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
