Gray Builds AI's Backbone: 22 U.S. Data Centers Draw National Spotlight
AI demand is straining infrastructure; Gray-profiled by NYT-is building 22 U.S. data centers. Laydown needs and utility readiness now drive land, layouts, and schedules.
Driving AI Innovation: Gray's Data Center Leadership in the National Spotlight
Demand for AI infrastructure is surging, and data centers are the limiting factor. Gray, a fully integrated design-builder, was recently highlighted in a New York Times piece for its role in meeting that surge. The company is currently building 22 data centers across the U.S., providing the compute backbone that modern applications require.
This isn't just about bigger buildings. Each site now needs large, nearby outdoor storage to stage high-value equipment, keep crews moving, and compress schedules. That simple detail is reshaping land strategies, site layouts, and project economics for owners, developers, and contractors.
Why this matters for real estate and construction
- Land + laydown capacity: Beyond the main parcel, projects require substantial outdoor storage for generators, tractors, trailers, and tools-assets totaling millions of dollars. Rising costs for these yards, security, and logistics are changing underwriting and site selection.
- Utility readiness: Electrical capacity, substation proximity, and dual-feed options are make-or-break. Lead times for transformers and switchgear demand early utility coordination and alternative strategies such as on-site generation or phased energization.
- Speed to ground: Parallel path design, early works, and prefabricated MEP skids are becoming standard. Integrated delivery shortens cycles and reduces rework across design, permitting, procurement, and construction.
- Entitlements and zoning: Approvals that allow 24/7 operations, high-load traffic, and outdoor storage are essential. Municipal partners that streamline these paths will attract more investment.
- Security and risk: Staging areas with controlled access, lighting, surveillance, and weather protection lower loss risk and keep schedules intact.
- Supply chain and labor: Long-lead equipment, specialty trades, and just-in-time sequencing require disciplined planning and real-time coordination.
Market drivers: AI, data growth, and policy tailwinds
AI adoption and data intensity are accelerating compute demand. Policy is also in play: recent federal actions have prioritized safe and secure AI development, which increases national focus on infrastructure readiness.
Gray's footprint and approach
Gray is building 22 data centers nationwide, with facilities engineered for high-intensity compute and stringent uptime targets. The company's integrated model-design, engineering, construction, automation, equipment, and real estate-helps align land, utilities, procurement, and delivery under one roof.
On outdoor storage and site economics: "For each project, we need space large enough to store generators, tractors, trailers, and other essential equipment," said Ben Burgett, Gray's Vice President of Data Centers. "While rising costs for these outdoor storage areas are a challenge, they're balanced by the tremendous growth we're seeing in data center construction."
Practical moves for owners and developers
- Land bank the laydown: Underwrite adjacent or nearby parcels for secure staging. Factor fencing, lighting, surface prep, and drainage into pro formas early.
- Lock utilities early: Engage utilities at site shortlist, not after design. Validate substation timelines and plan for phased energization or temporary generation.
- Permit for operations: Ensure zoning and permits cover outdoor storage, 24/7 access, heavy haul routes, and noise/light requirements.
- Standardize prefab: Use repeatable room templates and MEP skids to compress schedules across multiple sites.
- Secure the yard: Treat storage like an extension of the facility with controlled access, surveillance, and adjusted insurance coverage.
- Stage for speed: Coordinate deliveries to match install windows, reduce double handling, and minimize crane time.
What this signals for the sector
Data center demand is setting a new baseline for industrial land, electrical capacity, and construction workflows. Teams that secure laydown space, de-risk utilities, and build repeatable delivery models will win predictable timelines in a tight market.
By partnering with customers, Gray is delivering the spaces and systems that make next-generation technology possible-on sites that work in the field, not just on paper.
About Gray
Gray is a fully integrated design-builder delivering end-to-end services in construction, professional services, specialty equipment, and real estate. Since 1960, the company has grown from a regional contractor to a nationally ranked leader serving top companies across its core markets. With capabilities spanning design, engineering, construction, automation, equipment, and real estate, Gray supports every phase of a project to drive results.
Media Contact
Abby Johnson
Vice President, Marketing
Ajohnson@gray.com
606-923-2062
