Aerial view of a mixed-use area with sports facilities, a shopping center, and residential neighborhoods surrounded by greenery in DuPage County.
Stop Naperville Data Center | Jan 20 City Council Vote | Karis Critical Timeline

Naperville Data Center Development History

  • Dec 2000
    Lucent Technologies Campus Built
    Establishment of the major telecommunications hub at 1960 Lucent Lane. The iconic "Dome" building becomes a local landmark.
  • Nov 2016
    Nokia Acquisition & Consolidation
    Nokia takes over, leading to the eventual vacancy of the 40-acre 1960 Lucent parcel as employees are consolidated into 2000 Lucent Lane.
  • Feb 2020
    Campus Subdivision Petition
    Nokia splits the land into three distinct sections:
    Naper Commons (68 acres) - Rezoned for Residential
    1960 Lucent Lane (40 acres) - The Industrial/Office Site
  • April 2021
    Naper Commons Residential Approval
    Pulte Homes approved for 227 units. Homebuyers are led to believe the adjacent land would remain low-impact office use.
  • March 2022
    Site Demolition & Sale
    Franklin Partners acquires the 40-acre site for $4.75 million and begins demolishing the "Dome" building to prep for industrial development.
  • June 2023
    Naperville Zoning Update
    City Council moves Data Centers to "Conditional Use" due to community resource concerns, granting the city more oversight.
  • July 2025
    First Neighborhood Outreach Meeting
    Karis Critical meets with Naper Commons residents. Initial drawings reveal a massive 24/7 cooling infrastructure close to property lines.
  • Aug 2025
    Acoustical Expert Testimony Submitted
    Environmental and acoustical experts raise concerns about the constant 24/7 industrial hum and its impact on the adjacent residential zoning.
  • Nov 19, 2025
    PZC Recommendation (8-1)
    The Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval despite 4 hours of public opposition and testimony on noise pollution.
  • FINAL VOTE
    Tuesday, January 20, 2026
    Action Required: The Naperville City Council will make the final decision on the Karis Critical project (Item 25-1103F). JOIN THE OPPOSITION AT CITY HALL
November 19, 2025 Planning & Zoning Committee Meeting

Over 100 Naperville residents attend the Planning & Zoning Comisson meeting in strong opposition to the data center on 11/19/2025