$20 million data center planned for former lumberyard in Akron

Cleveland Plain Dealer

A new $20 million data center will soon take the place of a former lumberyard in a depressed section of Akron's south side, according to local officials.

Involta LLC, an Iowa data storage company, will buy nearly 18 acres off Sweitzer Avenue southeast of downtown that had been sitting vacant since 2001. The area is home to older manufacturing facilities, as well as the county jail.

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Akron police reports posted online

Akron Beacon Journal

Akron's designation as Ohio's hub of innovation is being bolstered by a pilot program venture with international technology company Cisco.

On Wednesday, the city's police reports dating back about four years were placed on online, giving citizens immediate access to crime reports and statistics. Crash reports are not yet included.

The crime reports are available here

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Plans detailed for AT&T Akron data center

Data Center Journal

AT&T is a world leader in delivering IP-based communications services. Its support extends to the iPhone 4 and to TV services.

Earlier this month, the company announced its plans to invest in a ninth data center, which is slated for establishment in Akron, Ohio, and involves an investment of $120 million. This announcement came on July 7 from downtown Akron. The site of the facility is the former Bell data center on Opportunity Parkway. The site has also been used by SBC and Ameritech. The building will be refurbished to house AT&T operations. A portion of the investment has gone into upgrading the infrastructure and the cooling system.

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AT&T picks Akron for $120 million high-tech center

Akron Beacon Journal

AT&T has chosen Akron to house its ninth mobility center in the country — an investment of $120 million in high-tech equipment.

The announcement of the major infrastructure investment was made in the former Ohio Bell Data Center off of Opportunity Parkway in downtown Akron. The facility first opened in 1985 and handled service orders and prepared customer bills. The building has been retrofitted and will handle the latest in wireless network technology, officials said.

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BREAKING NEWS: AT&T investing $120 million in Akron facility

By Chris Pugh
Connect Ohio

AT&T announced at an event Wednesday that the company will spend $120 million in a new wireless data center on 349 Opportunity Parkway in Akron.

According to officials, $20 million is earmarked on refurbishing the building and another $100 million on electronic equipment.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland was at the event and praised AT&T for its successful opening during tough economic times in the state.

We'll continue to update the story through the day.