City of Osawatomie, Alcove Development Announce Plans for 500 Megawatt Data Center Campus

Posted June 2, 2026

The City of Osawatomie, in partnership with Lawrence-based Alcove Development, announced that Project Catalyst, a proposed data center campus, will be developed in Miami County.

Project Catalyst is a multi-phase, 500+ megawatt campus expected to be located near the intersection of Osawatomie Road and W 335th St. The data center site will be developed on a 283-acre site. Project Catalyst will utilize a fully air-cooled data center design to decrease water consumption.

“We are thrilled to be moving this project forward in partnership with the City of Osawatomie,” GW Weld, Principal at Alcove Development, said in a release. “Project Catalyst has the potential to reshape the economic future of this community for generations to come. We’re not just building a facility here — we’re investing in the future of Osawatomie. We are committed to doing this right, as responsible partners, good neighbors, and long-term stewards of this community.”

In a joint news release from the City of Osawatomie and Alcove, key economic impact factors for moving forward with the project were noted.

• Osawatomie could generate annual revenues of up to $30 million, including property taxes, franchise fees, and other local revenues — potentially exceeding the city’s current annual budget many times over.
• Miami County could generate annual revenues of up to $10 million, providing a substantial new foundation for county services.
• USD 367 (Osawatomie School District) could receive up to $10 million in annual property tax revenues, resulting in real, recurring support for local classrooms, teachers, and students.

City leaders also noted that the multi-year build-out will create hundreds of construction jobs, and once operational, the campus will offer permanent, highly skilled positions.

“Nearly 80% of our property tax dollars come from residential properties. This is simply not sustainable,” Bret Glendening, Osawatomie City Manager, said in the release. “The city cannot control what the county or the school district does with their mill levies if this development materializes, but I can tell you with full confidence that our Mayor and City Council want to see taxes reduced significantly.

New transmission infrastructure, substation upgrades and any generation capacity required for the Project Catalyst campus will be funded entirely by the project, preventing Osawatomie residents or existing Evergy customers from covering the cost, according to the release.

Osawatomie residents voiced concerns over the project during a City Council meeting on Thursday, May 28th. Public speakers noted the site’s proximity to residential homes and the Osawatomie State Hospital. Additionally, residents expressed their disapproval of the project, fearing that its development costs could increase.