Built to Scale, Secured to Perform
Great Lakes Comnet needed more than additional square footage. They needed a facility that could support their own expansion while serving as a co-location hub for external clients. This 92,000 square-foot office building was transformed into a state-of-the-art data center with secure 24/7 access and the critical support infrastructure that modern data operations demand.
Flexibility drove every design decision in the server rooms. A raised floor system with a hot aisle/cold aisle configuration optimizes cooling, while each server room houses 30 to 50 racks supplemented by segregated server spaces and dedicated mechanical/CRAC corridors. Critical infrastructure including battery/UPS and electrical switchgear rooms ensures continuous, uninterrupted operations. The facility also features a tiered seating Network Operation Center, office and conference rooms, and modular spaces designed to scale with future needs.
Where the Workday Meets Around-the-Clock Operations
Beyond the server rooms, the office area was designed with equal intention. Open workspaces, a welcoming lobby, separate vestibules for building and client access, a training and conference room, a work/copy room, and a 24/7 lounge give staff and visitors everything they need under one roof. An advanced building access and lighting control system integrates entry points with mechanical systems, guiding visitors to designated areas while monitoring occupancy and daylight levels.
Our firm developed the program and schematic design layout for this phased project, shaping a facility that doesn’t just house data. It’s engineered to grow with the business behind it.