OpenAI, Oracle, and Related Digital are joining forces to establish a large-scale data centre campus in Saline Township, Michigan, as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Stargate capacity across the US.

The project is subject to approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission. It is scheduled for construction to begin in early 2026 and will deliver more than a gigawatt (GW) of compute capacity.

This multi-billion dollar development forms a component of OpenAI and Oracle’s previously disclosed commitment to provide 4.5GW of additional Stargate infrastructure for AI workloads.

The proposed 250-acre campus will consist of three single-storey buildings, each covering 550,000ft². Project backers describe the site as being equipped with a closed-loop cooling system designed to maintain water usage on par with standard office facilities.

Power will be supplied by DTE Energy from existing sources, supplemented by a new battery storage system financed entirely by the project.

Funding for the Saline Township campus comes from a consortium of private investors and financial institutions.

During construction, the project is expected to generate over 2,500 union construction jobs.

Related Companies CEO and Related Digital chairman Jeff T. Blau said: “We are proud to be developing this critical project exclusively for Oracle and contributing to keeping our nation competitive in the global AI race.

“This historic, multi-billion-dollar investment will ensure that Michigan plays a leading role in developing the digital infrastructure American companies need.”   

Once operational, employment projections include more than 450 onsite roles through Related Digital and Oracle, 1,500 positions across Washtenaw County supporting ancillary operations.

The project is also expected to generate thousands more indirect jobs throughout Michigan and nationwide.

The campus has been designated ‘The Barn’ in reference to a historic red barn that will remain at the site’s entrance on Michigan Avenue. The build plan calls for LEED certification as well as minimum setbacks of 75ft from the road and visual screening features.

Walbridge, a Detroit-based construction firm with over a century in operation, has been appointed general contractor.

OpenAI industrial compute vice president Peter Hoeschele said: “This project will help ensure Michigan is a key part of building the AI infrastructure that will power the next generation of American innovation.

“By expanding Stargate to Michigan, we can strengthen domestic supply chains, create good jobs, and help more communities share in the economic opportunities AI is creating.”

This announcement follows a similar disclosure last week regarding a separate Stargate data centre project near Milwaukee in Port Washington, Wisconsin. That campus to be developed by OpenAI, Oracle and Vantage Data Centers will comprise four data centres delivering nearly 1GW of AI capacity.

Construction at the Wisconsin facility there is set to commence soon with completion targeted for 2028.