GW University Campus Sold to Amazon for Data Center

The $427 million deal signals Amazon's continued expansion in Virginia's 'Data Center Alley'

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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George Washington University has sold its 122-acre Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn to Amazon Data Services for around $427 million. The deal allows for the construction of a new data or information technology center on the property, as Amazon continues its pledge to invest $35 billion in Virginia data centers by 2040.

Why it matters

The sale highlights the growing demand for 'data center ready' land in Loudoun County, Virginia, which has become known as 'Data Center Alley' due to the high concentration of data centers in the region. However, the deal also comes as local officials are tightening rules on data center development, raising concerns over zoning, power strain, and housing needs.

The details

Under the terms of the deal, GW will be permitted to keep its programs at the Ashburn campus for up to five years as Amazon plans its build-out of the new data center facility. The university says the $427 million in proceeds will help seed an endowment for research, teaching, and financial aid, though it won't close the school's budget deficit.

  • The deal was announced on March 4, 2026.
  • GW will be allowed to keep its programs at the Ashburn campus for up to 5 years after the sale closes.

The players

George Washington University

A private research university located in Washington, D.C. that has sold its 122-acre Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn to Amazon.

Amazon Data Services

A subsidiary of Amazon that provides cloud computing services and is purchasing the GW campus in Ashburn to build a new data center facility.

Loudoun County

A county in Virginia that has become known as 'Data Center Alley' due to the high concentration of data centers, and has recently tightened rules on data center development in the area.

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What they’re saying

“The cash will help seed an endowment for research, teaching, and financial aid, though it won't close the school's budget deficit.”

— GW University Officials (Washington Post)

What’s next

Amazon will begin planning the construction of its new data center facility on the former GW campus, while Loudoun County officials continue to navigate the balance between data center growth and local concerns.

The takeaway

The sale of the GW campus to Amazon highlights the continued expansion of data centers in Loudoun County's 'Data Center Alley', but also raises questions about the long-term impact of this growth on the local community and environment.