Data Centers: The Next Trend in Adaptive Reuse?

Sears is planning to convert a number of its shuttered buildings into data centers. Could this become a trend for the reuse of vacant buildings nationwide?

1 minute read

May 26, 2013, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"Thanks to Walmart, specialty shops, an economic downturn and—the sweet irony—online shopping, department stores are heading toward extinction, and Sears is feeling the pain particularly hard," writes Meghan Neal. "It’s expected to close at least 100 stores this year, more than any retailer other than analog media victims Best Buy and Barnes and Noble."

Reports this week indicate the company is pursuing an innovative solution for reusing its inventory of shuttered buildings. "Sears Holdings, the 120-year old retailer (which now includes Kmart), plans to start converting its struggling and defunct department stores into data centers, Data Center Knowledge reported today. A new unit of the company, Ubiquity Critical Environments, will lead the charge."

FULL STORY: Sears Is Converting Its Defunct Department Stores Into Data Centers

Thursday, May 23, 2013 in Motherboard

History / Preservation Technology North America Adaptive Reuse Data Centers Sears View More

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