By Abigail Taylor | News Channel 3
Publication Date: 2026-04-14 07:36:00
CALEDONIA, Mich. — Microsoft is a step closer to being able to build an artificial intelligence (AI) data center campus south of Grand Rapids after committing to a detailed set of legally binding conditions that Gaines Charter Township officials have said go further than what local zoning law typically requires.
The Gaines Township Planning Commission, in Kent County, is set to hold a public hearing Wednesday at 6 p.m. about the rezoning request from Microsoft and hear from residents for the third time on the proposal.
For the data center project, Microsoft is requesting rezoning of five parcels to light industrial, totaling nearly 104 acres along Patterson Avenue SE and 76th Street SE near Caledonia.
The land includes a former Steelcase planned unit development and properties currently designated as agricultural-rural residential to light industrial.
The project has been in the township’s review process since at least early 2025.
A February 2025 public hearing was postponed at…
