(UPDATED: 6:10 p.m. 6-17-24 with statement from the Commanders)
At first blush, it was alarming news — a filing hit the county planning system today that proposes to build three data centers on the Ashburn property where the Washington Commanders have their headquarters and training facility.
But Loudoun County officials said they knew this was in the works — and it doesn’t mean the Commanders are leaving the area anytime soon.
And a spokesperson for the Commanders reiterated that point in an official statement from the team.
Here’s where this all started — an “Engineering Plan” has been filed with the county for the property at 21300 Coach Gibbs Drive in Ashburn.
That address matches up to the Commanders property located at the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Gloucester Parkway.
The description listed on the engineering plan reads as follows: “Site Plan for development of 3 Data Center Buildings.”
The Burn reached a spokesperson for the Commanders who shared this statement with us: “The Washington Commanders are committed to the Commonwealth. Loudoun County is where many of our coaches, players and employees not only work, but also call home. Our intention in filing for this approval is to secure the option and flexibility for possible future development on our 162-acre site and it is not a plan to take any action in the near future. Any development we do will be leveraged to reinvest in our football program and fan experience.”
The Burn also spoke with Buddy Rizer. He’s the Executive Director of Loudoun County Economic Development.
“This isn’t a surprise. We were aware this was coming,” Rizer said. “(The Commanders) have been very transparent with us.”
Rizer went on to say the move was more about the Commanders preserving the value of their land for all potential future uses, and that there are no actual plans to build data centers on the property at this time.
Instead, by filing now and getting the needed approvals in place, the Commanders would be “grandfathering in” their property under the current rules should there be future changes to regulations or laws that could adversely impact that value of the land.
“We know that data center land sells for a premium,” Rizer said. “Not having those rights secured impacts land values. They are just making a smart business decision.”
He went on to add that the county hopes that the Commanders keep their training facility here for years to come and hopes to see the team expand their footprint in Loudoun as well.
And indeed, we’ve been told the Commanders have invested some $10 million in the Ashburn property getting ready for the upcoming summer camp. We’re also told the land has not been sold, nor is it listed for sale.
It’s been widely reported that the Commanders are looking for a home for a new stadium. The site of the former RFK Stadium in Washington is considered to be the leading contender. Other locations under consideration are in Northern Virginia and in Maryland.
The final selection could determine if and when the Commanders leave Loudoun County. But considering the large sums developers are paying for data center land, it may behoove the Commanders to some day sell their Ashburn property and relocate elsewhere.
(Photo: Hellas Construction, Inc.)