University of Michigan buys potential data center site on Huron River

Township officials criticize university for notifying them via text message about the major land purchase

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:53am

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The University of Michigan has purchased 124 acres of land on the Huron River as a possible site for a planned $1.2 billion data center project in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. The university informed Ypsilanti Township officials of the purchase by text message, drawing criticism from the township attorney who said the university is treating local officials with "utter disdain and contempt." The project faces opposition due to environmental justice concerns and the data center's potential connection to nuclear weapons research.

Why it matters

The proposed data center site raises concerns about environmental impacts, public health, and safety in the surrounding community, which is already burdened by pollution and other industrial facilities. As a public university, the University of Michigan is exempt from local zoning requirements, allowing it to move forward with the project without township approval. This has led to tensions between the university and local officials who feel left out of the decision-making process.

The details

The University of Michigan purchased 124 acres of land on Textile Road for a potential $1.2 billion data center project in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory. The university informed Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo of the land purchase via text message, drawing criticism from the township attorney who said the university is treating local officials with "utter disdain and contempt." Ypsilanti Township officials have passed a resolution opposing the construction of the data center at the Huron River site, citing environmental, health, safety, and noise concerns. The university is also considering an alternate site at the Willow Run complex, but township officials say the university has failed to properly involve them in discussions about that location.

  • On June 12, 2025, the University of Michigan Board of Regents approved the purchase of the 124-acre Textile Road site.
  • In August 2025, the Ypsilanti Township board passed a resolution opposing the construction of the data center at the Huron River site.

The players

University of Michigan

A public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that is planning a $1.2 billion data center project in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Ypsilanti Township

A township located near the proposed data center site that has raised concerns about the project's environmental and community impacts.

Brenda Stumbo

The Ypsilanti Township Supervisor who was informed of the land purchase by the University of Michigan via text message.

Doug Winters

The Ypsilanti Township attorney who criticized the university for notifying local officials of the major land purchase through a text message.

Jimmie Wilson Jr.

A state representative who introduced legislation to rescind a $100 million grant for the University of Michigan and Los Alamos project.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.