Americas Data Center: Case Study

Americas Data Center

A Model of Innovation and Long-Term Partnership
The project consists of a two-story data center on a 17-acre site

A Model of Innovation and Long-Term Partnership

The Americas Data Center represents a forward-looking solution to a major financial services firm's growing technological demands. This state-of-the-art, 380,000-square-foot facility was developed to meet the increasing computational needs of the client’s transactional business units while delivering scalability to address future demands.

Hines, serving as development manager, partnered with the client to design a next-generation data center built with phased infrastructure to optimize both near-term use and long-term adaptability. Despite the challenges of the 2008–2009 global economic crisis and a significant mid-project design change, the facility was completed within the original 22-month timeline. Since its opening in 2010, Hines has transitioned seamlessly into the role of property manager, ensuring operational excellence and continued innovation.

A Benchmarked Solution for Scalability and Efficiency

The facility was designed with unparalleled attention to technical innovation and flexibility.

 

Key structural highlights include:

  • 120,000 square feet of configurable technology white space, divided into fire-resistive pods for operational independence.
  • 32 MW of emergency backup power, supported by a 48-hour full-load fuel supply to ensure operational resilience.
  • Integrated green design elements that earned the building LEED® Gold Certification, aligning with the client’s commitment to sustainability while securing significant state-sponsored energy rebates.

Additionally, Hines collaborated with the client to pilot one of the nation’s first ENERGY STAR® data center efficiency programs, setting a precedent for more sustainable operations industry-wide.

Strategic Partnership and Operational Expansion

Hines’ long-term collaboration with the client has evolved over the years, reflecting a dynamic and service-oriented approach to the client’s operational needs.

Significant Project Milestones:

2013

Extended oversight to cover 22 remote locations across North America, later expanding to 36+ sites across the Americas, including SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil. Responsibilities included landlord coordination, site evaluations, maintenance reviews, and tracking of power and capacity.

2016

Assumed a more substantial role in Capital Project Management, overseeing projects under $3 million.

2018

Became the principal provider of Data Center Services (DCS), managing daily operations, power and capacity planning, rack and stack installations, airflow management, load balancing, and inventory control for infrastructure assets.

2021

Established a Global Command Center to centralize monitoring of critical systems across the client’s global facilities, enabling rapid issue escalation and resolution.

2022

Formed a team for IT asset destruction and re-use, implementing robust reporting and control mechanisms for the client’s technology lifecycle management.

Sustainability and Technological Innovation

The facility is designed to minimize environmental impact, optimize efficiency, and support global business functions. With energy-saving technologies, resource-efficient operations, and LEED® Gold Certification, it reduces energy use and costs. Real-time system monitoring enhances reliability and aligns with long-term sustainability goals, while resilient, adaptable design prioritizes tenant needs

Operational Excellence and Market Leadership

Hines’ stewardship of the Americas Data Center has contributed to its enduring success and market competitiveness. The client has benefited from:

Improved energy efficiency and lower operating costs due to sustainable design and operational innovation.

Enhanced scalability to support both core business operations and future growth.

Strategic ongoing collaboration, ensuring proactive problem-solving and operational enhancements.

This partnership reflects Hines’ ability to deliver comprehensive and long-term value through technical expertise, industry leadership, and a client-focused approach.

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