University of Michigan × Los Alamos Research Computing Center
The University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are partnering to create a new national research center in Ypsilanti Township. This research computing center will support scientific research that delivers tangible benefits for Michigan residents, while creating a new sector of research and innovation for the entire state.
Community Town Hall Update
The University of Michigan is hosting a community town hall to hear from residents, answer questions and share additional information about plans for the new high-performance research computing center.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
5-7 p.m.
Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest
1275 S. Huron Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
**NOTE: Because of space limitations, registration is currently full. Please join our waitlist, and we will contact you if additional space becomes available. The event will also be available via livestream at https://umich.edu/watch/ for those unable to attend in person.
About the Project
The following questions and answers were compiled by U-M to help inform faculty, staff, students and community members about the proposed project, the site evaluation process and environmental considerations.
Research Scope & Partnership
Facility Security
Project Location & Scale
Impact on Environment & Local Utilities
Community Investment
Compared to an Amazon distribution center project approved by Ypsilanti Township officials in 2021, U-M’s research center will occupy a substantially smaller footprint and generate far less daily traffic.
U-M plans to develop a limited portion of the site’s 144 acres. The research center will be positioned to blend aesthetically with the surrounding area and preserve the Huron River waterfront portion of the property as natural open space.
What We’re Building
The $1.25-billion project, funded by the University of Michigan, Los Alamos, and the State of Michigan, will create world-class facilities:
Federal Research Facility
(240,000 sq. ft.)
Supporting national research and security challenges, including classified research.
Academic Research Facility
(~50,000 sq. ft.)
For non-classified research by U-M faculty, staff, students, and partners, including basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which are published and shared broadly within the scientific community.
DTE Electrical Substation
A new, dedicated substation that will exclusively power the facility and accommodate the facility’s energy needs, funded by U-M. No negative impacts to adjacent businesses and residences — preserves their electrical capacity.
This is not a commercial data center or manufacturing site.
It is a computing and research hub designed to advance science and education.
Environmental Commitments
The facility will be designed to run cleanly, efficiently, and sustainably.
- No impact to the Huron River — no water drawn from or discharged into it
- Cooling water and sanitation handled by existing municipal utilities with plenty of existing capacity
- Fully electric operations — in the event of an outage, only 10% of the facility’s power will be supplied by back-up generators
- Energy-efficient design: 20%+ better than code requirements
- LEED Silver certification
- Direct-to-chip computer cooling, which is 10-15% more efficient than air-cooled systems often used in typical data centers
- Minimal operational noise, no louder than a household air conditioner at property lines
Stay Connected to the Project
Submit a Question or Suggestion: Share your priorities and community project ideas at [email protected]