Microsoft Continues Southeast Wisconsin Expansion with Kenosha Land Purchase

KENOSHA, Wis. (Civic Media) — Microsoft is expanding its presence in southeastern Wisconsin with a new investment in the city of Kenosha. It follows an ongoing $3.3 billion project in nearby Mount Pleasant in Racine County.

The tech giant has purchased approximately 240 acres of land northwest of Interstate 94 and Highway 142 in Kenosha, as announced by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala on Monday.

This expansion comes after Microsoft’s initial $1 billion investment in Mount Pleasant, which has since grown to $3.3 billion. The Mount Pleasant project is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs and 2,300 construction jobs by 2025.

“We’re excited about Microsoft’s decision to continue investing in the southeastern part of our state,” Gov. Evers said, emphasizing the state’s focus on AI and advancing tech sectors.

Mayor Bogdala called the investment “a transformative moment” for Kenosha, highlighting potential job creation and economic growth.

The Kenosha City Council unanimously approved ordinances in December to rezone the property for potential data center development.

This investment follows President Joe Biden’s visit to the region in May 2024 to spotlight the massive tech spending in Southeast Wisconsin.

Microsoft’s expanding footprint in the area is seen as a significant boost to the region’s growing reputation as a technology hub between Chicago and Milwaukee.