Microsoft Continues Expansion in Racine County

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (WRJN) — The Foxconn site is now better described as the Microsoft site.  Microsoft is further expanding its land ownership in Racine County, as part of its $3.3 billion data center campus development. 

The tech giant this week purchased 70.9 acres of mostly vacant land for $12.75 million, adding to its acquisitions along Louis Sorenson Road. This follows the purchase of 173 acres last month and 32.1 acres in May.

With these purchases, Microsoft now owns over 1,270 acres in Racine County. The expansion comes after Mount Pleasant officials approved Microsoft’s purchase of more than 1,000 acres in late 2023, initially intended for Foxconn’s unfulfilled $9 billion development plan. The data center project, which has grown from an initial $1 billion investment to $3.3 billion, is expected to create over 2,000 construction jobs by the end of the year.

The development is a shift from the failed Foxconn project, which promised substantial economic growth and jobs but never materialized. 

The lack of Foxconn jobs has led to utility issues between the City of Racine and the Village of Mount Pleasant, with the village saying the city is holding off on approving needed water connections for new developments.  The two municipalities have agreements, the city says need to be renegotiated due to unfulfilled Foxconn promises.  

While he was still campaigning for re-election in May, President Joe Biden made a stop near the Microsoft development in Racine County to spotlight the massive spending in Southeast Wisconsin.