OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital have announced plans to develop a data center campus with more than a gigawatt of capacity in Saline Township, southwest of Ann Arbor.
The multi-billion-dollar investment in the project is part of OpenAI and Oracle’s previously announced partnership to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of additional Stargate capacity.
“We are proud to be developing this critical project exclusively for Oracle and contributing to keeping our nation competitive in the global AI race,” says Jeff T. Blau, CEO of Related Cos. and chairman of Related Digital. “This historic, multi-billion-dollar investment will ensure that Michigan plays a leading role in developing the digital infrastructure American companies need.”
The Saline Township project, which is being funded by a consortium of private investors and financial institutions, is projected to create more than 2,500 union construction jobs. Once operational, Related Digital and Oracle expect to collectively create more than 450 jobs onsite, and 1,500 jobs county-wide to support the project, as well as thousands more indirect jobs across Michigan and the U.S.
“This project will help ensure Michigan is a key part of building the AI infrastructure that will power the next generation of American innovation,” says Peter Hoeschele, vice president of industrial compute at OpenAI. “By expanding Stargate to Michigan, we can strengthen domestic supply chains, create good jobs, and help more communities share in the economic opportunities AI is creating.”
The data center campus, which is being developed on 250 acres, will utilize a closed-loop cooling system, which limits daily water use to levels comparable to an office building, according to the development team.
DTE Energy is supplying 100 percent of the power to the project using existing resources augmented by a new battery storage investment — financed entirely by the project — in a way that ensures there is no impact on DTE’s existing customers’ energy supply or rates, according to the utility company.
In addition, DTE states its customers will benefit from the project by contributing its share to the fixed costs of maintaining and improving the grid.
“Oracle is excited for Michigan to be the next site for our Stargate project with OpenAI,” says Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “Historically, Michigan has been at the forefront of innovation and industry in America, and this strong legacy will continue as we work with Related Digital to rapidly expand our cloud capacity to meet the unprecedented demand for AI.”
The Saline Township project — dubbed the “The Barn” for a historic red barn being preserved at the entrance to the site off Michigan Avenue — will consist of three 550,000-square-foot single-story buildings. The project will be LEED certified, and include minimum setbacks of 75 feet from the road. There will “substantial screening” as well.
Pending approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission, the project is expected to begin construction in early 2026. Walbridge in Detroit is the general contractor on the project.
