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Data CenterIndianapolis

Data Center Investment in Indianapolis

Indianapolis data center investment looks different than the coastal markets. You're not competing with Meta for sites, but you're still dealing with power constraints and cooling costs. The market's got three things going for it: cheap power from IPL, solid fiber infrastructure from the telco days, and enough industrial land that isn't $200/SF. AI demand is hitting here too, just 18 months behind the primary markets. Cap rates are holding in the 6.5%-8.5% range depending on tenancy and age. Most buyers are regional players and REITs looking for yield outside the frothy primary markets.

Market Context

Cap Rate Range

6.5%-8.5% depending on tenant profile and power capacity, with hyperscale-ready facilities trading at the low end

Current Vacancy

12% physical vacancy but only 4% available power capacity in purpose-built facilities

Rent Trend

Up 8-12% annually on colocation space, enterprise rates more stable at 3-5% increases

Absorption

2.4 MW absorbed in Q4 2025, 60% from AI/ML workloads and cloud expansion

Price Per Unit Trend

$850-$1,200 per kW for existing facilities, $1,400-$1,800 per kW for new construction

Transaction Volume

$180M in 2025, up 40% from prior year, average deal size $32M

Submarket Analysis

Airport/I-70 Corridor

6.8%-7.5% cap

Vacancy

8% building, 3% power

Avg Rent (1BR)

$185-220/kW/month colocation

Prime expansion area with IPL substation access and fiber convergence from downtown

OM Tip

Highlight utility redundancy and expansion capacity - buyers want growth runway here

Downtown/Mass Ave

7.2%-8.1% cap

Vacancy

15% building, 6% power

Avg Rent (1BR)

$220-260/kW/month colocation

Older carrier hotels with good connectivity but limited expansion options

OM Tip

Focus on fiber count and carrier diversity - location premium commands higher rents despite age

Northwest Industrial

6.5%-7.3% cap

Vacancy

5% building, 2% power

Avg Rent (1BR)

$170-200/kW/month colocation

New construction corridor with hyperscale interest, land still available

OM Tip

Power availability and cooling efficiency are table stakes - include PUE trending data

Southside/I-65

7.8%-8.5% cap

Vacancy

18% building, 8% power

Avg Rent (1BR)

$160-185/kW/month colocation

Secondary locations with older infrastructure, value-play territory

OM Tip

Need to justify lower pricing with expansion potential or unique connectivity

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What Your OM Needs to Address

Power Infrastructure Detail

IPL rate schedules vary by location and most buyers model power costs down to the kWh level

Data to Include

Utility rate schedule, backup generator capacity and fuel type, UPS specifications, power redundancy level (N+1, 2N), and any demand response program participation

Cooling System Performance

PUE trending is becoming a deal requirement as AI workloads drive higher densities

Data to Include

12-month PUE trending by season, cooling system type and age, chiller redundancy, free cooling hours annually, and any pending efficiency upgrades

Fiber and Network Connectivity

Indianapolis isn't Chicago but fiber diversity still matters for pricing power

Data to Include

On-net carrier list with entry dates, fiber route diversity, internet exchange access, cross-connect pricing, and any planned carrier additions

Tenant Concentration Risk

Single-tenant facilities need exit strategy detail since local demand is still limited

Data to Include

Tenant credit ratings, lease expiration schedule, expansion options utilized, colocation conversion potential, and sublet rights

Expansion Capacity Analysis

Growth runway separates Indianapolis deals since land costs aren't prohibitive yet

Data to Include

Available land for expansion, utility capacity for additional load, zoning compliance for higher density, cooling system scalability

Operating Cost Breakdown

Power costs are 40-50% of OpEx here vs 60%+ in primary markets - show the full picture

Data to Include

Utility costs by rate schedule, property tax assessments and any abatements, insurance costs including cyber coverage, maintenance contracts by system

Investment Outlook

Short Term

Next 12 months look solid with AI demand filtering in and limited new supply. Existing facilities with available power capacity should see occupancy gains. Seller expectations are still catching up to buyer demand - good time to transact if you can move fast.

Medium Term

24-36 months brings more supply risk as planned developments come online, but Indiana's business climate should keep demand growing. Power costs stay competitive vs coastal markets. Some consolidation likely among smaller operators who can't scale efficiently.

Long Term

Indianapolis positions well as a secondary market with primary market connectivity. Edge demand should grow as latency requirements tighten. Risk is staying relevant as hyperscalers build their own facilities - need strong enterprise and colocation fundamentals.

Buyer Profile

REITs looking for yield outside gateway markets, regional data center operators, and private equity groups building portfolios. Hyperscalers are shopping but not buying yet - they're focused on securing land and power rights for future development.

Marketing a data center property in Indianapolis?

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