In this episode of PlotLines, Britni sits down with Jeff Sturla, Vice President of Critical Facilities at Wohlsen Construction, to unpack the rapid rise of data center development and the growing tension between demand and community acceptance.
With more than four decades in construction, Jeff brings a rare perspective on how the industry has evolved and why data centers stand apart from any other asset class he’s worked on.
The demand for data centers is undeniable. From the average smartphone user running dozens of apps to the rapid expansion of AI across industries, the need for computing power continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. But according to Jeff, constraints are what slow growth.
Power availability and community acceptance are the two biggest factors shaping how quickly projects can move forward. In fact, Jeff argues that if it weren’t for those limitations, development would be happening even faster.
One of the biggest challenges facing developers today is outdated perception. Many concerns around noise and environmental impact stem from older data center designs. Newer models are significantly more efficient, with innovations like closed-loop cooling systems that drastically reduce water consumption. That gap between perception and reality continues to fuel resistance, even as technology evolves.
For Jeff, successful projects start with one key principle: respect the community. That means engaging early, building trust through transparency, and tailoring messaging to different stakeholders. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. The most effective developers, he explains, understand they’re not just building in a community, but becoming part of it.
Beyond the public perception challenges, data centers also introduce a new level of scale and complexity. These projects can reach into the billions of dollars and demand highly specialized labor, particularly in electrical and mechanical systems. At the same time, the technology inside them is evolving rapidly, with computing density increasing dramatically and new power solutions shaping the future of development.
Rewriting the Headline
When asked what headline he’d like to see, Jeff didn’t hesitate:
“Legislators and data center developers align on clear, comprehensive standards for the future.”
Right now, he says, the industry operates in a fragmented regulatory environment, a “Wild West” that makes planning difficult and slows progress. Greater alignment, he argues, would not only benefit developers but also provide clarity and confidence for communities.
