Due Diligence and Feasibility Studies

SSOE supported a client’s early planning and investment decisions by conducting an owner-side due diligence review for two proposed hyperscale data center campus sites in the Midwest. These parallel studies evaluated site readiness and technical viability while establishing a flexible framework capable of accommodating future hyperscale end‑user requirements, providing critical insight into infrastructure capacity, utility availability, and development constraints.

Across both locations, SSOE assessed each site’s ability to support a high‑capacity data center campus by identifying physical, regulatory, and infrastructure-related constraints. The team analyzed available data to evaluate usable land, floodplains, zoning, environmental considerations, and permitting pathways, enabling the client to reduce development risk and confidently compare site opportunities. Our civil engineer developed concept exhibit drawings demonstrating proposed building layouts the sites could accommodate along with associated parking, drive aisles, and
stormwater management facilities.

Infrastructure and power strategy were central to both efforts. SSOE performed conceptual electrical load module analyses, coordinated with local utility providers to confirm capacity and delivery options, and developed preliminary electrical layouts and standardized single‑line diagrams aligned with Tier III–level redundancy expectations. Mechanical and architectural teams evaluated equipment space, building orientation, and planning strategies that supported utility ramp schedule, scalability, and speed to market.

Each study leveraged SSOE’s multidisciplinary expertise and repeatable evaluation tools to ensure consistency across sites. Final deliverables included comprehensive feasibility summary reports documenting findings, risks, and recommendations, providing a clear roadmap for future design, permitting, and development efforts. Because of our thorough work on the feasibility studies, SSOE was awarded full design of both greenfield sites.