In a move reinforcing North Texas’s status as a rising technology hub, Lambda Inc., a cloud computing company backed by Nvidia, will occupy a new data center currently under construction in Plano. The project is being developed by Aligned Data Centers LLC, a local developer, and represents a $700 million investment into the region’s infrastructure and economy.
The facility, DFW-04, will span 425,000 square feet on a 44-acre site at 401 N. Star Road. It will be operational in 2026 and host Lambda’s AI Cloud platform, powered by Nvidia’s high-performance GPUs.
Nvidia’s Role? Building the Future of AI Infrastructure
Nvidia’s investment in Lambda underscores its strategic focus on enabling the physical infrastructure required to scale artificial intelligence. Nvidia, known globally for inventing the GPU and leading in AI computing, participated in Lambda’s $480 million funding round earlier this year.
Lambda leverages Nvidia's processors to power its AI Cloud platform, which provides scalable GPU compute for enterprise and research needs. The new facility in Plano is designed to host the latest Nvidia GPU hardware to support complex machine learning, large language models, and data-intensive AI workloads.
DFW-04 - Purpose-Built for AI Scale
The DFW-04 data center will feature,
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425,000 square feet of space
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Proprietary air and liquid cooling systems from Aligned
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A dedicated on-site substation
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More than 5,000 megawatts of future power capacity
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Direct integration with Lambda’s AI Cloud platform
Strategically located within three miles of Aligned’s DFW-01 and DFW-02, the new facility strengthens Aligned’s Plano footprint. It also complements DFW-03, a 27-acre project under development in Mansfield, Texas.
Ken Patchett, Lambda’s VP of Data Center Infrastructure, highlighted the partnership's strategic alignment:
“Aligned is the ideal partner to help Lambda build large, flexible space that meets the AI demands of today and tomorrow. Their ability to rapidly deliver AI-ready infrastructure, along with their high-touch, world-class customer experience, is instrumental to meet the aggressive scale, quality and speed standards Lambda sets for its public and private deployments.”
Economic and Regional Benefits for Plano
Beyond its technological significance, the DFW-04 data center is expected to bring meaningful economic benefits to Plano and the greater North Texas region. While specific job figures have not been publicly released, data center developments of this size typically generate substantial local and regional value in several ways.
1. Job Creation
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The project will generate demand for architects, engineers, electricians, and general contractors during construction.
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Once operational, it will create long-term roles in facility operations, IT support, security, network management, and data infrastructure maintenance.
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Opportunities for specialized tech talent in AI and cloud computing will help attract skilled professionals to the area.
2. Economic Growth and Vendor Ecosystem
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The project will drive increased business for local suppliers, utilities, and service contractors.
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Growth in transportation, catering, and equipment services typically accompanies large-scale data center builds.
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Support industries such as HVAC, electrical supply, and connectivity solutions are also expected to benefit.
3. Boost to Local Revenue and Infrastructure
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The facility will contribute significantly to Plano’s commercial tax base, providing funds for city services, schools, and infrastructure.
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Investment in utilities and power infrastructure may lead to broader improvements that benefit other businesses and residents.
4. Business Attraction and Regional Branding
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Plano’s growing reputation as a technology and AI center may attract additional investment and interest from other cloud, software, and AI-focused companies.
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The project enhances North Texas’s position as a viable alternative to traditional tech hubs, helping to decentralize innovatio.n
5. Indirect Impact on Hospitality and Services
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While data centers are not typically tourism drivers, increased business travel, site visits, and vendor partnerships can lead to more activity in hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
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The presence of a high-profile project involving Nvidia and Lambda raises the city’s national visibility.
About the Partners
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Lambda Inc. is a cloud computing firm that delivers GPU infrastructure for AI and machine learning. Its services are used by researchers, enterprises, and startups alike.
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Nvidia is a global leader in AI, graphics processing, and high-performance computing. Its investment in Lambda reflects a long-term strategy to expand access to AI infrastructure.
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Aligned Data Centers, based in Plano, provides scalable, energy-efficient data centers for cloud, enterprise, and hyperscale customers. It offers a unique “pay-as-you-grow” model built with sustainability in mind.
The Nvidia-backed expansion of Lambda into Plano marks a significant step forward for AI infrastructure in Texas. With $700 million in capital investment, a partnership with Aligned Data Centers, and support from one of the world’s most innovative tech companies, this project advances artificial intelligence's capabilities. It delivers meaningful economic, employment, and strategic value to the region.
As Plano continues transforming into a leading tech destination, projects like this show how global innovation and local opportunity can coexist.
