Cumberland County · Middlesex Township · #3226
Pennsylvania Digital 1 (PAX-1) Final Phase 2
Middlesex Township, PA · 675,000 sq ft non-residential, data center
About this project
Phase 2 of the PAX-1 data center campus in Middlesex Township will include about six buildings, a private access drive, a security building, and on-site water and sewer storage, totaling about 675,000 sq ft.
Official description: PHASE 2 SPECIFICALLY CONSISTS OF A DATA CENTER CAMPUS CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 6 BUILDINGS, PRIVATE ACCESS DRIVE, A SECURITY BUILDING, AND ON-SITE WATER AND SEWER STORAGE. ** PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PHASE 2 PLAN SET PDF, WAS TOO LARGE TO ATTACH AS 1 PDF, SO WE SPLIT IT INTO 2 PARTS-PART 1 IS 2026.08.21_Phase 2 Final LD Plan Set_Sheets C02 001-C02 515.pdf AND PART 2 IS 2026.08.21_Phase 2 Final LD Plan Set_Sheets C02 601-ES2 307.pdf.
Filing history
- 2026-08-28 · #3226 · Submission · 675,000 sq ft
The full picture AI research · Nov 2, 2026
Phase 2 is the next stage of the PAX-1 (Pennsylvania Digital 1) data center campus in Middlesex Township, northeast of Carlisle. County records describe about six buildings totaling roughly 675,000 square feet. They also list a private access drive, a security building, and on-site water and sewer storage.
PAX-1 is a much larger project. News coverage describes a campus of about 693 acres with 18 buildings in three groups of six, and a separate electrical substation. The developer is reported to be Carlisle Development Partners, which includes PowerHouse Data Centers. Phase 2 is one of those building groups. No tenant has been publicly confirmed.
The project is contested. An opposition group, Stop PAX-1, has challenged the zoning in court. A judge declined to halt construction right away, and a further hearing was reported for Nov. 13.
What it could mean nearby
- Developers project at least about 450 permanent jobs once the full campus is built, but this is a developer estimate.
- The local water authority reportedly committed up to 400,000 gallons per day, and the electric utility said it can supply the campus with some upgrades.
- The county records list a private access drive for Phase 2. No traffic study results were found.
- A 61-acre open space lot across Country Club Road is part of the overall subdivision plan and could later hold water storage tanks.
Where it stands
Phase 2 is under review by the township. A review-time extension for its preliminary land development plan ran to July 1, 2026, and the county's latest filing is dated 2026-08-28. After this review the township supervisors typically vote on final approval. Construction permits follow, and the court challenge to the zoning is still open.
- Nov 13, 2026 Court hearing reported on whether to pause construction while the zoning appeal continues
- Sep 2, 2026 Township agenda lists PAX-1 Phase 3 preliminary plan and a Phase 1-B final plan; Phase 2 is not shown in the excerpt reviewed
- Aug 28, 2026 Latest county filing for Phase 2 final plan
- May 2026 Township granted zoning changes and preliminary approval; opponents filed a zoning challenge
- Feb 27, 2026 Township agenda listed an extension of the review time for the Phase 2 preliminary plan until July 1, 2026
- Dec 22, 2025 Planning commission recommended approval of the campus subdivision plan
Want to weigh in? The Middlesex Township Board of Supervisors decides on land development plans, and residents can comment at its public meetings, whose agendas are posted on the township website.
Who's behind it
Carlisle Development Partners LLC · A group of northern Virginia data center developers and local partners, reported to include PowerHouse Data Centers.
Around the web
- Judge refuses to stop PAX-1 data center but sets new hearingabc27A judge declined to halt construction, and a hearing on a discretionary stay was set for Nov. 13.
- Cumberland County, PA, data centers take new step forwardGovTech · Dec 23, 2025Describes the 693-acre, 18-building plan, the developer, utility commitments and the job estimate.
- Township meeting agenda, Feb. 27, 2026Middlesex Township · Feb 27, 2026Lists the review-time extension for the Phase 2 preliminary land development plan.
- Township meeting agenda, Sept. 2, 2026Middlesex Township · Sep 2, 2026Lists PAX-1 Phase 3 and Phase 1-B plans for consideration.
Planning terms explained
- Land development plan
- A detailed site plan showing buildings, roads, utilities and stormwater that the township reviews before construction.
- Preliminary vs. final approval
- Preliminary approval accepts the general design; final approval confirms all conditions are met so permits can be issued.
- Review-time extension
- A developer's agreement to give the township more time to decide on a plan.
- Stay
- A court order that pauses work while a legal appeal is decided.
- Subdivision
- Dividing a large tract into separate lots, here the campus lots, substation lot and open space lot.
Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 2, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.
Scope estimate for contractors
Estimated construction value: $472.5M
- ~3,375 roofing squares (assumes 2 stories)
- ~1,687 tons of cooling (rule of thumb 400 sq ft/ton)
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