Amazon Drops 4 Data Centers, Shifts 122 Acres to Housing

Amazon is abandoning its plan to build four data centers on the former George Washington University campus in Loudoun County. The company announced this change on October 23, 2026. Instead of the tech facilities, Amazon will repurpose the 122-acre site. The land will be developed for mixed-use and residential purposes. Amazon will also donate 25 acres to the county. Those acres are earmarked for a community arts center and a new recreational facility. Additionally, the company will contribute $5 million to the county's housing fund.

The decision marks a shift for Loudoun County. The area is known as Data Center Alley. It holds the largest concentration of data centers in the world. However, residents have expressed concerns. They cite noise and the high power demands of these facilities. County officials met with Amazon in September to discuss the project. Amazon first submitted its proposal for the facilities in July. Officials suggested that an alternative use for the land might be preferable.

Josh Weissman, Amazon's vice president for data center development, commented on the decision. He noted that the company purchased the campus when the opportunity arose. However, the company acknowledged the county's 'pointed concerns about data center development at this particular site.' Weissman stated, 'While we see the property's legal development potential differently than the County does, we concluded that the best outcome for all is to come together on a shared vision for this campus rather than engage in costly litigation.'

The demand for data centers has grown due to cloud services and AI. This growth has led to opposition in various communities. Concerns include electricity prices and environmental impacts. Recently, President Donald Trump called for builders to pay dividends to local communities. He wants them to address energy price increases. He also stated that data centers should generate their own electricity and sell excess power back to the community.

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall commented on the outcome. She said, 'By choosing dialogue over reflexive disagreement, Loudoun County and Amazon created an opportunity for the County.' She added, 'This agreement provides new places for our Loudoun residents to gather, create, and play. And, most importantly to me, we will provide more attainable homes for working families.' The shift comes as Northern Virginia faces limits on its power grid capacity.