Dowagiac Residents Decry Noise From Expanding Data Center

Locals fear the unrelenting hum from Hyperscale Data's AI campus will hurt home values and quality of life.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents in Dowagiac, Michigan, are growing increasingly frustrated with the noise from a data center expansion by Hyperscale Data, an AI and bitcoin company. The data center's expansion plans have locals worried about the impact on their home values and everyday lives, with one resident, Terry Raab, expressing concern that the constant noise will make his home difficult to sell.

Why it matters

As demand for AI and data processing continues to rise, data centers are expanding rapidly, often in close proximity to residential areas. This case highlights the tension between the needs of the tech industry and the quality of life for nearby homeowners, raising questions about how to balance economic growth with community impact.

The details

Hyperscale Data has reached an agreement to more than double the size of its data center campus in Dowagiac, citing the exploding need for AI. However, local residents like Terry Raab say the noise from the existing facility has already become unbearable, making it difficult to enjoy their homes, especially in the summer when they like to have their windows open.

  • Hyperscale Data recently announced plans to expand its data center campus in Dowagiac.
  • Residents have been dealing with the noise from the existing data center for some time.

The players

Hyperscale Data

An AI and bitcoin company that operates a data center in Dowagiac, Michigan, and is planning to expand its campus.

Terry Raab

A Dowagiac resident who is concerned about the impact of the data center noise on his home's value and quality of life.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In the summertime, we like to have our windows open, and it's hard to when you're listening to that all the time.”

— Terry Raab, Dowagiac Resident

“I worry about that, the property value, because if we want to resell the house who's gonna want to buy the house with that noise. No one's gonna want to buy. They'll be like 'nah, we ain't moving there.'”

— Terry Raab, Dowagiac Resident

What’s next

Dowagiac residents plan to continue voicing their concerns to local officials and Hyperscale Data in an effort to find a solution that mitigates the noise impact on the community.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tension between the tech industry's need for expanding data infrastructure and the quality of life for nearby residents. As data centers become more prevalent, communities will need to find ways to balance economic development with preserving the character and livability of their neighborhoods.