Shreveport, LA, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport is set to develop a data center exceeding 1 million square feet alongside a 104,000 square foot office building at the Resilient Technology Park. The project, led by Franks Investment Co. LLC, aims to enhance local infrastructure and create high-paying jobs. With existing utilities capable of supporting the new facility, this development points to significant economic growth for the area. The plans are in a conceptual phase and may evolve based on stakeholder input, promising a boost to Shreveport’s technology landscape.
Shreveport Proposes 1 Million Square Foot Data Center and Office Building at Resilient Technology Park
Shreveport is moving forward with a plan to develop a data center exceeding 1 million square feet in the Resilient Technology Park, located at 7340 Greenwood Road. The project, which has been submitted for a site plan review by the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission, also includes a 104,000 square foot office building.
The proposed site lies within a 313-acre technology park established behind a former mall at the W. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop exit. This initiative is spearheaded by Franks Investment Co. LLC, managed by Bobby Jelks, who oversees operations and is associated with the Alta and John Franks Foundation. While Jelks has signed a nondisclosure agreement, he is currently unable to provide further details on the project.
The project plans submitted are conceptual and may be subject to changes based on the needs of end-users and stakeholders. The site plan details features such as logistics and administration buildings, seven two-story data center buildings, an on-site electrical substation, and utilities for power generation, as well as water detention basins to manage stormwater efficiently.
Infrastructure and Local Support
The Resilient Technology Park is already home to significant infrastructure, including a $100 million AEP transmission control center, which is responsible for managing the national power grid for American Electric Power (AEP), the parent company of Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO). This existing utility infrastructure highlights the area’s potential for accommodating new data center developments.
To support the new data center, enhancements to the existing city water and sewer lines are anticipated. Proposed upgrades may include constructing water storage tanks and increasing the capacity of the main water line. Additionally, new sewer infrastructure projects might be needed, potentially including the installation of a lift station operated by the City of Shreveport to address wastewater demands from the new facility.
Economic Implications and Opportunities
Officials from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership emphasize the region’s capability to meet the water and electricity demands necessary for data centers. The abundant supply of water, along with strong partnerships with local utility providers like SWEPCO, Entergy, and CLECO, contribute to a favorable environment for data center operations. There is also an established local supply network of companies offering services relevant to data center needs.
The anticipated development of the data center is expected to yield significant economic benefits to the Shreveport area. These benefits include the creation of high-paying jobs and improved tax revenue, positioning Shreveport as an attractive location for future technology investments. The anticipated power and water demands of the proposed data center align well with the available regional resources, making Shreveport a viable contender for technology-focused growth.
Conclusion
As the site plan review progresses, potential investment in Shreveport’s Resilient Technology Park may mark a turning point in local economic development, harnessing the area’s resources to accommodate cutting-edge technology infrastructure and enhancing job opportunities for community residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the proposed development in Shreveport?
- A data center exceeding 1 million square feet and a 104,000 square foot office building at the Resilient Technology Park.
- Where is the site located?
- 7340 Greenwood Road in the Resilient Technology Park, which spans 313 acres.
- Who is managing the project?
- The project is managed by Franks Investment Co. LLC, led by Bobby Jelks.
- What are the infrastructure improvements needed?
- Enhancements to existing water and sewer lines, potentially including new water storage tanks and a lift station, will be necessary to accommodate the development.
- What are the potential economic benefits?
- The project is expected to bring high-paying jobs and increased tax revenue to the Shreveport area.
Key Features of the Proposed Development
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data Center Size | Exceeding 1 million square feet |
| Office Building Size | 104,000 square feet |
| Location | 7340 Greenwood Road, Resilient Technology Park |
| Site Area | 313 acres |
| Current Infrastructure | $100 million AEP transmission control center, city water and sewer lines |
| Economic Impact | High-paying jobs, increased tax revenue |
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Shreveport Times
- Data Center Dynamics
- NOLA.com
- Digital Music News
- Wikipedia: Data Center
- Google Search: Shreveport data center
- Google Scholar: Data Centers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Center
- Google News: Shreveport business
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
