Significant investments are being funneled into a developing tech hub in Canton, with Highland Properties leading the initiative. Bob Lloyd, owner of Highland Properties, is overseeing the development of the Highland Data Park, strategically located across from the Amazon Data Center. This new project is expected to attract tech companies to the area.
The site for this development holds historical significance, as it occupies the former grounds of the Sale Barn, a Madison County landmark known for livestock auctions since 1975. Lloyd, who acquired the property in 2021, expressed confidence in the location’s potential for growth.
The Highland Data Park is designed to complement the existing Amazon Web Services (AWS) facility by offering a range of services for tech industries, including data centers, fusion splicing, and computer server repair. Lloyd emphasized the park’s versatility, stating it will cater to various tech-related businesses.
The initial phase involves renovating the old Sale Barn. “We’ve begun with the Park Central building, constructing it as a warehouse shell. This allows for customization to meet the specific needs of any future tenants,” Lloyd explained.
A critical component of the project is the construction of Commercial Parkway Drive, which will link the park to Highway 22, enhancing accessibility. The developer anticipates that the first buildings within the Highland Data Park will be ready by this fall, marking a significant step forward in establishing the area as a burgeoning tech hub.
